H. T. Davey Reviews

Review by H. T. Davey

The Power of the Dog (2021)

★★★★★

Director: Jane Campion

An American western, filmed in New Zealand, packed with long shots of rolling hills, a spacious ranch and hundreds of cattle. This film, directed by Jane Campion, who brought us The Piano in 1993 and now returns to directing after a 10 year hiatus. It was worth waiting because this film brings a splendid and enthralling plot, grounded in brilliant acting.

This film is about two brothers who run a wealthy cattle ranch, one brother George who is a ‘proper’ man becomes induced by a widow and her son, and soon they marry. His brother, Phil, a self-righteous and melanosome man plays the big bully in the film, bringing fear everywhere he goes. And as he goes, so does the drama. The intense stares and dark music that follows Phil sticks within the film. Where there is suspense, Phil is there. A simple scene with Rose, George’s new wife, of her practising the piano becomes a ‘cow at the slaughter’ scene to speak. Phil mocking Rose by playing the banjo better than her, causing her to lose confidence and whimper. It sounds petty, however, well mastered by the camera.

At its core, The Power of the Dog is an unnerving film, engulfing intense themes such as grief, addiction, loneliness and sexuality. One may find this film unsettling with the intense themes. However, coupled with the well-done script, filming location and chosen actors, we have a film that knows what it is, it does not impress on purpose. This film is a unique blend of drama, suspense, and western horror. A true Jane Campion film.

A star standout is Kirsten Dunst who plays Rose, the newly married wife and her struggle with loneliness and addiction. She balanced this perfectly, making a slow storm; a woman going from hating alcohol, to indulging its poison to escape the bullying of one man, is well done on the screen. Dunst showed the painful and dark side of what addiction looks like in the home, especially on a remote cattle ranch. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the intense Phil and screams an Oscar nomination with his coupling of an eerie character and his many emotions and struggles. He brings with him, and creates, fear and suffering. However, we see lots of turmoil hidden deep within his many layers, and that goes to show the well-done performance of Cumberbatch.

The ending is not what is expected when it hits. A multitude of events lead to a dramatic and horrific end to the film that only makes us ask more questions and want even more. This shows the brilliant directing style and writing of Jane Campion, who created a unique film of 2021, which will surely be noticed and loved by many.