Set up in the 1920s, this movie is based on a fictional novel of the same title by Thomas Savage. It is a western drama film directed by Jane Campion and internationally co-produced between Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States and Australia.
The premiere of The Power Of The Dogs took place at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where the team was appreciated for the great performances, and also Jane Campion won an award for best direction. However, it had a limited theatrical release only in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Plot Of The Movie
The story is set in 1925 Montana, where two brothers Phil and George Burbank come across a widow and inn owner, Rose Gordon. George is kind-hearted, whereas Phil is cold and mocks Rose’s son for his lisp. George falls in love with Mary, and they marry shortly after.
Rose sends her son to study medicine and stays on the ranch with the Burbanks. Phil does not like the doings of Rose as he believes that she is taking advantage of George for his money.
Once Peter comes home for summer break, things start to change. Rose starts to become an alcoholic, which she manages to hide from George. Peter and Phil slowly start to get closer and spend time together when Phil teaches Peter to ride horses.
Seeing this bonding, Rose starts to get upset, and this leads to worsening her alcohol addiction. How their relationship will grow, and they live together along with their indifferences is what you will see.
Cast Details
The cast includes BennedictCumberbatch as Phil Burbank, Jesse Plemons as George Burbank, Kristen Dunstable as Rose Gordon, Kodi Smit McPhee as Peter Gordon, Thomasin McKenzie as Lola and Genevieve Lemon as Mrs. Lewis.
The film had started filming in January 2020 but got halted due to Covid-19. Only after the restrictions were released, the filming begin again.
Where To Watch
The Power Of The Dog had its theatrical release on November 11, 2021, but it was only in specific areas. On December 1, the movie was released on Netflix globally to stream online.
Reviews And Critical Response
Even though the film is just released on Netflix, there has been a very positive response by viewers and critics. Rotten Tomatoes website shows that 95% of 201 reviews liked the movie. On the other hand, critics have praised the ensemble cast that stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst and Jesse Plemons.
The film also won several awards and nominations, including the best innovation award at Mill Valley, and came in as the second runner-up in the TIFF People Choice Award category.
