Review of The Power of the Dog (2021) by Cohikergirl — 13 Jan 2022

There is subtlety in the slow reveal of this film, and a finesse of characterization in the acting that I appreciate. The smallest of gestures and glances tell much of the tale; the omissions are themselves key to the plot, some of which is hidden from direct view, and requires attention to the details. As an example, for the commenters who cannot understand Rose's resort to alcohol, there are indeed clues. The whistling Phil uses to torment her (Peter's mother) is lifted from the tune she was trying to practice on the piano ... when he interrupted her in the house as she played, alone; we may infer he abused her then in some more fundamental way (take your pick of possibilities). It is part of why she cannot play as planned, despite all her practice, when the governor visits for dinner. And it is only after that critical hidden moment that the whistles and the memory of Phil's abuse drive her to drink (which she never had a weakness for, prior). a.

It seems her son recognizes the tuneful torture for what it means, or at least he suspects it. Thus, his trip to collect the anthrax-riddled hide is toward an already-planned purpose, and quite intentional. Note, as well, that Phil is shocked in the moment at which Peter easily kills the rabbit Phil has injured with his 'log tossing' torment. Peter is quite able to put it out of its misery without qualm, which shocks and surprises Phil because he didn't think Peter had it in him to do such a thing. All of which speaks to Peter's hidden strength and Phil's inability to perceive it. A hidden strength that itself is commented upon outright, and explicitly by Peter himself -- "... because I was too strong" -- which Phil mocks and questions, thus earning a sidelong and meaningfully penetrating look from Peter at the oblivious Phil in response, as an additional tell to the audience that there is much more strength and planning going on under Peter's surface than Phil realizes.