“The Power of the Dog” Review
Benedict Cumberbatch gives an incredible, Oscar-nominated performance in “The Power of the Dog” which is currently streaming on Netflix.
With the Oscars race looming and nominations having been announced, one of the most prominent films is Netflix’s “Power of the Dog.” The first film by Jane Campion since 2009’s “Bright Star,” “Power of the Dog” is an intriguing character study with one of the best performances I’ve seen in a good while.
Set in 1925 Montana, Phil and George Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons) are a pair of wealthy, rancher brothers who are polar opposites. George is kind and fair while Phil is incredibly moody and volatile. When George marries a widow named Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and takes in her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Seeing Rose as a threat to his way of life, Phil makes it his personal mission to wreak havoc on Rose all while concealing his past regrets.
While the film’s story is engaging, Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance as Phil is what makes this movie. His performance is haunting as an unpleasant man trying to make Rose miserable because he feels that Rose married his brother for his wealth. Phil verbally undermines her, befriends Peter and drives Rose to alcoholism. The more you learn about Phil, the more engrossed in the story you become.
Some films, like the work of Christopher Nolan, are more centered on story and environment than characters. “The Power of the Dog” is the exact opposite, being more of a character study. All four main actors are fantastic to the point where they all have received Oscar nominations for their work.
Kirsten Dunst, in particular, gives a strong performance as Rose who is constantly being tormented by her brother-in-law. Her performance was breathtaking and is Dunst’s best work since “Melancholia.”
Jane Campion’s direction is fantastic and I haven’t seen this level of meticulous craftsmanship from her since “The Piano.” Her take on the western frontier is incredible and resembles what Paul Thomas Anderson did with “There Will Be Blood,” showing a turn-of-the-century land that is still hesitant to be tamed despite the days of Manifest Destiny being over.
Director of Photography Ari Wegner and Campion create this incredibly beautiful looking film. Alongside the amazing score by Jonny Greenwood, watching this film was a treat for my senses.
As far as films nominated for the Oscars go, this seems like an obvious film that the Academy would go for: an engaging period piece from a meticulous filmmaker. However, this is anything but a typical “Oscar-bait” film. It’s remarkable in every sense of the word.
