Writer/director Jane Campion’s (The Piano) adaptation of the Thomas Savage novel, The Power of the Dog, is an intense, psychological drama performed to perfection by a strong cast.
Set in 1925 Montana, two dissimilar brothers run a cattle ranch. Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a taskmaster with deep seeded anger, and soft-spoken George (Jesse Plemons) is drawn to a fragile widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), who raises her quiet, introspective son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). After George makes Rose his bride, it creates an uneasy environment as Phil torments Rose. When Phil begins to spend more time with Peter, Rose begins to worry. Is it the beginning of a new relationship, or is there something more sinister at play?
Phil is a bitter person with a hard, sadistic demeanor, bullying the weak and inexperienced. You realize something deeper is going on; this man is hiding a secret. He repeatedly references his mentor, Bronco Henry, and their past relationship and subtext have major implications on the present.
This
is a character study about lonely people in an isolated environment where
innocence is corrupted and compassion exists with evil. The film, vividly shot with a setting and
mood not unlike Days of Heaven, plays
like an adult western. Cumberbatch is incredible in a challenging
role, emoting at times with facial expressions without saying a word. Together
with Dunst in her best dramatic role and Australian actor Smit-McPhee, all three are sure to be recognized Oscar
time.
The film ends with a
remarkable, chilling shot,
raising as many questions as it answers, and with a vibe similar to No Country for Old Men, it may require
repeated viewings to pick up the subtle nuances of a masterful film and welcome
return of a great director.
****
of ****stars (on Netflix)
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