Review of The Power of the Dog (2021) by Moviemitch96 — 25 Nov 2021

In 1925 Montana, a grouchy and irritable rancher (Benedict Cumberbatch) shows hostility and resentment towards his brother's (Jesse Plemons) new wife (Kirsten Dunst), until he appears to have a change of heart and decides to take her young son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) under his wing.

Directed by Jane Campion and based off a novel of the same name, this slow-burn western has a lot going for it. Noteworthy performances, especially from Cumberbatch and Dunst really elevate the film. Cumberbatch is equal parts sadistic and oddly intriguing.

You never really know what his character will say or do next, while Dunst on the other hand gives one her most raw and vulnerable performances to date. Plemons is also in top form here. Another highlight is the beautiful landscape and cinematography used here.

The film is beautifully photographed. However, the film also felt a bit lost and aimless often times to me, something not even the acting and camera-work could quite explain or compensate for. This also culminated in a rather anti-climatic ending, and I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed by the end.

Overall, fantastic performances from the cast and pretty photography couldn't quite make up for or explain why the film just seems to wander rather aimlessly and end with a shrug.