The Power of the Dog is a 2021 Western psychological drama film written and directed by Jane Campion, based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same name. The film features a cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Set in Montana but primarily filmed in rural Otago, it is an international co-production among New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2021, where Campion received the Silver Lion for Best Direction. Following a limited theatrical release in November 2021, it became available for streaming on Netflix starting December 1, 2021. The Power of the Dog garnered widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for Campion’s direction and screenplay, as well as the cinematography, score, and performances of the four lead actors.
The Power of the Dog - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Movie: | The Power of the Dog |
| Genre: | Drama, Romance, Western |
| Language: | English |
| Director: | Jane Campion |
| Main Cast: | Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thom, Genevieve Lemon, |
| Release Date: | 17 November 2021 |
| Banner: | New Zealand Film Commission, Cross City Films, |
| Music: | Jonny Greenwood |
| Budget: | Not available |
| Runtime: | 2h 6min |
Regarded as one of the best films of 2021, it appeared on numerous top-ten lists and earned significant accolades, including a leading 12 nominations at the 94th Academy Awards. These nominations included Best Picture, Best Actor for Cumberbatch, Best Supporting Actor for both Plemons and Smit-McPhee, and Best Supporting Actress for Dunst. Campion won Best Director, marking the first time a film has won solely in that category since The Graduate (1967). However, the film’s 11 losses tied the record for the most in Oscars history.
The Power of the Dog Movie Screenshot
The Power of the Dog Movie Story
In 1925 Montana, wealthy rancher brothers Phil and George Burbank encounter widow and innkeeper Rose Gordon during a cattle drive. The kind-hearted George quickly becomes infatuated with Rose, while the coarse and volatile Phil harbors a deep disdain for her, suspecting she is only after George’s wealth. Phil also takes pleasure in belittling Rose’s teenage son, Peter, whom he sees as weak and effeminate.
After George and Rose marry, she moves into the Burbank ranch house, while Peter attends medical school. To celebrate, George organizes a dinner party with their parents and the governor, pressuring Rose to perform on the piano. He reveals that Phil was once a brilliant Classics student at Yale, which contrasts sharply with his rough demeanor. Overwhelmed by Phil’s earlier taunts, Rose is unable to play, leaving her humiliated and distressed. As a result, she turns to alcohol, becoming an alcoholic by the time Peter returns home for a break from school. Meanwhile, Phil and his men continue to taunt Peter, who retreats to his room, where he finds solace in dissecting a rabbit he has caught.
The Power of the Dog Movie Review
The mansion’s interior resembles Nathan Homestead in Auckland. One of the brothers finds joy in marrying a woman struggling with alcoholism, who also comes with her own emotional baggage, including an interestingly complicated son. Meanwhile, the bullying brother seethes in his own bitterness. The son, Peter—portrayed with a delicate touch by Kodi Smit-McPhee in the film’s standout performance—is thin, lanky, and quiet, displaying slightly effeminate body language. He faces catcalls suggesting he is gay, but little do the others realize the potential of this medical student. Kirsten Dunst delivers what might be her most subdued performance, while Benedict Cumberbatch’s character, the ill-tempered Phil, never fully reveals his ferocity, remaining in a semi-castrated state throughout the film.
The Power of the Dog Movie Trailer
FAQ About The Power of the Dog Movie
Q1 – Who Directed The Power of the Dog Movie?
A – Jane Campion
Q2-What Genre Is The Power of the Dog Movie?
A-Drama, Romance
Q3-Lead Cast In The Power of the Dog Movie?
A-Benedict Cumberbatch,
Q4- Rating Of The Power of the Dog Movie?
A-16+