Review: ‘The Power of the Dog;’ Jane Campion’s Unsettling, Dark, and Striking Western

Montana 1925 sets the scene for “The Power of the Dog,” Jane Campion’s Silver Lion-winning Western that tells the story of rancher Phil Burbank and those around him. New Zealand’s first Netflix original film brings themes of homosexuality and revenge to the forefront of last year’s awards conversations. Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel is brought to life by electric performances and striking cinematography. 

Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a masterful rancher who embodies toxic masculinity. When Phil’s brother George (played by the remarkable Jesse Plemons) brings home his new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil torments them, pushing them to the brink. That is until Phil finds himself opened up to the possibility of romance. 

Phil Burbank—a Menacing Presence to the Screen

Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role of Phil Burbank, bringing this menacing rancher to the screen. Cumberbatch portrays Burbank as the complex, evil character he is and in such a way that viewers feel just as intimidated as Rose. Opposite Cumberbatch, stars Jesse Plemons; he replaces Paul Dano, who had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with “The Batman” from Director Matt Reeves. Jesse plays Phil’s brother George, who’s the opposite of Phil; George is caring and polite, whereas Phil is volatile and commanding. New Zealand’s breathtaking natural locations provide a base for cinematographer Ari Wegner to create stunning visuals. 

Jonny Greenwood provides “The Power of the Dog” with an eerie, unsettling score; it matches the film’s taut ambience that intensifies in all the right places. The snappy banjo mixed with the mellow sounds of a piano creates a layer of uneasiness that looms over the film, amplifying the tension between Rose and Phil. The 126-minute run-time allows director Jane Campion to explore each character; by doing so, she makes the film’s final reveal even more shocking.

Of Metaphors, Characterization, and Solid Performances

The run-time also serves as an advantage for Campion; she balances both the cat-and-mouse game between Rose and Phil, but also the flourishing bond between Phil and Peter. Cumberbatch, Plemons, Dunst, and Smit-McPhee all give outstanding performances. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the intimidating rancher is an all-time career best for the British actor; he was also seen last November in Will Sharpe’s “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain” alongside Claire Foy. 

Rope is something that shows up just as Phil and Peter begin to grow closer, and Phil’s sheds his icy demeanour to take Peter under his wing. It’s used as a symbol of the pair’s growing relationship, but also within the film’s climax to create a satisfying ending. Campion not only takes the director’s chair for her latest endeavour, but the Oscar-winning writer also pens the script for the film, adapting Savage’s novel for the big screen. “The Power of the Dog” is just one of many Netflix films propped up for the 2022 awards season. The film joined a line-up that included Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter” and Rebecca Hall’s “Passing.” 

The “The Piano” director returns from her decade-long hiatus to bring viewers an intense melodramatic slow burn that features sensational performances from its cast. Dealing with themes like homosexuality, alcoholism, and revenge, “The Power of the Dog” is a delicate yet dark story; it features picturesque cinematography and an eerie leitmotif that’s sure to leave viewers feeling just as unsettled as Rose. 

“The Power of the Dog” is currently available to stream on Netflix. 

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