Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
The Power of the Dog is a western set in Montana in 1925. When ranch owner George Burbank (Jesse Plemons) meets Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst), a widow with a college age son, he becomes enamored by her. His brother, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch), however, thinks she’s only interested in his money. He also dislikes her son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who he sees as weak and effeminate.
After Rose and George marry, Peter goes off to attend medical school. Rose moves into the Burbank family ranch, where Phil also lives. Eager to showcase his new wife and finally be accepted by society, George invites important townsfolk for dinner. But Rose isn’t comfortable around them and comes off as clumsy and awkward. To quell her feeling of unease at the ranch and failure at entertaining, Rose begins drinking heavily.
When Peter comes home for school vacation, he notices the anxiety his mother is feeling. He attributes Rose’s emotional distress to the brooding Phil, who continues to tease him. To ease tensions with Phil, Peter takes an interest in the ranch. Phil decides to teach Peter how to ride a horse, using it to poke at him in front of the other ranch hands. And as Peter continues to ask questions and becomes better at horse riding, Phil starts to take to him. Instead of using him as the brunt of a joke, he decides to teach Peter how to be a man. And as Phil begins to open up to him, the true reason for Peter befriending him soon becomes evident.
Some Thoughts:
The Power of the Dog is a subtle piece of dramatic filmmaking set in the dusty American West. It’s full of lies, secrets, and hidden truths. Pulling the film together is Cumberbatch, playing the bitter and hyper masculine villain, Phil. Although his brother, George, is in control of the family business, it’s Phil who keeps it running. He walks around the ranch seeing and judging everything. His presence is felt everywhere and often sets the mood. Although Phil could be played purely as the bad guy, Cumberbatch exposes his humanity and makes him sympathetic.
The soft spoken and artistic Peter is the opposite of Phil. Smit-McPhee embodies the character and delivers a performance on par with Cumberbatch. Much of the movie is about their dynamic, with Phil trying to shape Peter into his image and Peter playing along. The relationship works because both actors understand the motivations driving their characters, making the situation feel realistic.
Plemons and Dunst are equally as good as the doomed couple, George and Rose. Both are socially awkward and seeking relief from their current existence. For Rose, George represents financial stability; for George, Rose is a chance to fit into society. The problem is, both are socially awkward and have to contend with Phil’s jealous rage. And although Peter is missing for most of it, he’s dropped into the aftermath when he comes home from school. And that is when the plot gets moving.
Director Jane Campion brings everything together masterfully. The film is full of beautiful scenery, compelling dialogue, and find acting. The story is never dull, and the chilling conclusion will make many viewers go back to the opening scene.
The Final Verdict:
The Power of the Dog is a subtle slow burn drama with an ending that packs a punch.