The Power of the Dog (2021) User Reviews

A man was made by patience, and the odds against him.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 6 January 2023]

Rancher Phil Burbank is brash, tough, and seemingly without humanity, his life changes however when the possibility of romance enters into his life.

You cannot casually watch this film, it doesn't allow for that, you need to be fully invested in it, or you will miss vital details. Don't be derailed by the first ten minutes or so, stick with it, as it is slow to start, but opens up incredibly well.

The visuals are incredible, those wondrous mountain ranges look phenomenal, and the incredible attention to the most minute of details is impressive, you truly feel that you're transported to the time.

I would suggest it may not be for everyone, genre wise it's a little curious, not a Romance or a Western in the strictest sense, but there are several elements here.

It's gritty, its harsh, but it's also sensual and intense, it's truly not what I was expecting.

Benedict Cumberbatch gives a truly mesmerising performance as Burbank, once again showcasing his depth and versatility. Kirsten Dunst excellent too, it's a very strong cast, with real depth.

Wow that really does look like a dog.

8/10.

The devil is in the details...

[BrandedToKill · 7/10 · 8 October 2021]

I just randomly watched this movie, not knowing anything about it all, just that I like Benedict as an actor. It was slow and sort of unsettling and I had to ponder the movie for a while after it finished. Let me just say this, the devil is in the details with this one. Pay very close attention when watching it, I think it pays off pretty well. I had several 'oh crap' moments after the movie, when I started connecting the dots. To call this a Western is a bit misleading, the setting is in the west (Montana) but that really has nothing to do with the movie at all, nor should it define its genre. I can see how folks might not like this one due to the pacing and some of the subject matter but the acting really is quite good and the movie is well made. Also, let's just say the ending might pass right over some people's head if they hadn't been paying attention or had already made up their mind what the movie was about. I'd really love to say more but spoilers and all. I think this one will start out slow with audiences but will age well over time.

Story with title inspired by Psalm 22:30.

[TxMike · 6 January 2023]

Reading a number of reviews here that are not very kind, I almost decided to skip this one. But I thought I'd give it 20 to 30 minutes then abandon it if not invested. I am glad I did, it seems to me the negative reviews are from viewers who simply did not comprehend the whole story. And that includes the very last scene where everything is wrapped up. I found it to be a good movie and a worthwhile viewing. On DVD from my public library, my wife skipped.

Filmed entirely in New Zealand, so it doesn't look much like the setting, Montana ranch land. The central characters are two brothers old enough to remember their first cattle drive 25 years earlier, in 1900. They have polar opposite personalities. One (Cumberbatch) is smart and educated, perpetually grungy, and quick to throw criticisms at others. The other (Plemons) is kind and clean. When he brings home a wife (Dunst, real-life wife of Plemons) his brother taunts her in subtle ways and her young teen son picks up on it. The rest of the story is how the son works things out to save his mother who is depressed and has turned to drinking excessively.

This is not a movie for the impatient, or for those who don't pay attention to detail. If anyone wants to understand it in more detail do a search on "power of the dog psalm 22:30".

Unexpected

[KittyWitty917 · 9/10 · 30 December 2021]

Well written, excellently acted. You might think it's slow but it's not. The chapter effect gives one time to understand all the character development: the strengths, the fears, the idleness, the weaknesses. Phil and Peter had more in common than one thought....but Phil was cruel. They were both highly intelligent and educated. Phil was out to harm and he was surprised to find he might have a friend. All Peter cared about was protecting his mother. You do NOT know where this story is going. You might think you do but that's why the writing is so excellent. Suburb ending. 👏👏👏 to the screenplay. I would have titled the movie " Trapping the Dog." But then again, it doesn't matter.

Well made film, but way overrated...and rather boring

[paulclaassen · 5/10 · 23 March 2022]

It is said 'The Power of the Dog' covers themes such as love, grief, resentment, jealousy, masculinity, and sexuality. Homosexuality, to be exact. Or should I say, the film is very open to the suggestion of homosexuality, but it never really surfaces - almost like a 70's movie.

I generally don't favour drama films, and the only reason I decided to watch 'The Power of the Dog' is because it received an amazing 562 award nominations (winning 250 so far), and because I like Benedict Cumberbatch as an actor. The film received an incredible 12 Oscar award nominations. So let's look at this film.

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as a rancher, Phil, who runs a ranch together with his brother, George (Jesse Plemons). Phil is insensitive, rude and crude (lets just call him butch!), while George is quite the opposite. George falls in love and eventually marries Rose (Kirsten Dunst). Her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is gay - or a faggot, as they call him in the movie. This causes Phil to constantly mock him in front of his workers.

The film does have significant character development and there's lots to read between the lines, since the film tells its story in a very subtle manner. I must be honest, from an entertainment perspective, I wasn't all that entertained. In fact, I was pretty bored for the first 40 minutes. It moves along too...darn...slow...

It really also is uneventful until the final reveal. (well, also not much of a reveal, as you sort of have to guess what they're trying to convey.) Apart from character study, there's hardly anything significant happening here. I was bored - just as I was with the highly acclaimed 'Brokeback Mountain' (although 'Brokeback' was a lot more in your face and not as toned down as 'The Power of the Dog'.)

I can't help but wonder what prompted critics to adorn the film with so many awards. Is the high acclaim truly justified? Or is this overrated? For me, definitely. I agree, the film is beautifully shot with stunning cinematography. The set decoration is also incredibly well done, and the costumes are great. But is it that great a movie? Not for me....

Would I watch it again? No.

Overrated?

[matthewssilverhammer · 6/10 · 15 January 2022]

2021's Nomadland: a gorgeous, critically unimpeachable slow-burn drama that can't live up to the hype and is just a bit too oblique for my taste. However, it's also reminiscent of Assassination of Jesse James and There Will Be Blood, both of which required a second viewing for me to appreciate them fully...so who knows? Maybe it's actually great? That certainly seems to be the consensus...?

Beautifully photographed, acted well, but boring. Yes, simply boring

[imseeg · 5/10 · 5 October 2021]

If one makes a character drama then one needs 2 things:

1 Great characters. They succeeded somewhat in portraying true to life characters, with good acting performances.

2 Intense drama. NONE is to be found though. What a bummer.

So what we have here is a polished portrait of good actors in a story that simply never becomes a real human drama. Simply lacklustre. Kinda tedious. Such a pity of the waste of many good actors...

A drudge of boredom, melancholy and torment.

[amesmonde · 2 March 2022]

Dramatic events begin to unfold on a ranch in Montana when two very different brothers come together.

Written and directed by Jane Campion based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel, it's nothing to write home about despite it critical acclaim. Not holding a candle to other Western dramas. To be blunt it's tedious at best.

While the production and acting is high quality including the likes of the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst (alcoholic Rose), Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee; the film itself is as melancholy and tormenting as its themes. There's just not enough meat on its slow burning bones. Or enough engagement in the subtle approach to the subject matter to make it intriguing viewing. Just because something is drawn out and/or lingering doesn't automatically make it good to warrant further artistic merit.

Both Ari Wegner's cinematography and Peter Sciberras' (a few continuity errors aside) editing is notable. The Power of the Dog's issue I don't think is Campion's direction per se, borrowing framing from the likes of The Searchers (1956), or the over powering score from Jonny Greenwood; it possibly stems from the source material that this adaptation adopts by default. There's better films that deal with sexuality, alcoholism, masculinity, vengeance and the West. Don't expect a classic Western, it's not in the vein of Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), nor the Unforgiven (1992) or more recently The Hateful Eight (2015) and The Sisters Brothers (2018).

Unfortunately, this is drudge of boredom, with sincerity; it's probably best to read a Greek tragedy instead.

Bucking Bronco.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 6/10 · 21 October 2022]

With its lax pacing and sparse ambience, 'The Power Of The Dog (2021)' has a really weird energy to it. It's quiet, too quiet, and underplayed in almost every aspect. It's as disquieting as it is drawn out, a slow-burning drama with a fairly big payoff but no real indication that it's ever going to have one. Solid performances, confident direction and an assured screenplay fall victim to a meandering pace, dampening their effect even as they relate to the purposefully (and perhaps unexpectedly) methodical nature of the narrative. The point isn't that the picture falls totally shy of the mark, just that it doesn't quite reach its potential; it isn't as thrilling as it could have been, nor as unsettling, sensual or resonant. It is effective in fits and starts, especially as it nears its finale, and it does retroactively make its seed planting seem all the more necessary, but it's kind of boring in places (or at least dull) and could've used a bit of tightening up overall. Still, its western aesthetic is palpable, with its horse-fly-filled milieu practically leaking into your living room, and its wide shots are simply beautiful. New Zealand stands in for Montana to stunning effect, that's for sure. Cumberbatch's antagonist (though it's arguable if there's even a specific protagonist for him to antagonise, he just grates on everyone) is an absolute dog of a bloke, an insidious thorn in the side of anyone who threatens to disturb his way of life. A lot of this probably comes from the fact that he has to (or feels as though he has to) repress his true nature every moment of every day, even if he's doing it unconsciously. His evils are so subtle and so domestic that they're all the more disturbing; you really feel sorry for those that are forced to endure his fury. His interactions with the other more likeable characters are the most interesting parts of the entire affair. Who'd have thought a piano-banjo duet could be so ruthlessly devastating? Overall, there's a lot to like about the picture and it's undeniably well-made in every aspect. It's rather forgettable, though, and it isn't particularly gripping (at least not in the conventional sense). It's good, but not great.

Slow-drag movie, yet deserves the watch-time

[aswin-barath · 6/10 · 2 January 2023]

Cons:-

• This movie was a very slow drag with its drama. It was a very boring experience and required so much patience to watch till the end.

• Although there was some depth in the characters, there were so many plot holes to continue towards one direction of the story.

• The movie was not very entertaining because of the very elaborate nature of the storytelling.

Pros:-

• The director, Jane Campion questions the conventional way of creating a character drama movie, with his work on this movie. And hence I think he deserves an Oscar.

• The cast of this movie gave a wonderful and compelling acting performance.

• The cinematography of the movie is really amazing. You become a part of the rancher's life in Montana.

• Yes, the movie is a slow drag, but it takes time and patience to digest the drama and connect the dots.

• So, for the general audience who are used to fast-paced movies can feel disappointed with this movie. But I will still recommend watching this movie when you have the utmost patience and time. Sink in with the plot and then connect the dots. It takes a while after the movie to understand the subtlety of the movie.

Extremely layered film with stunning performances

[vreka-31474 · 9/10 · 5 December 2021]

Is "The Power of the dog" the best movie I've seen in years? Yes, it is!

The film is a mesmerizing mix of absolutely brilliant acting, a fantastic script, carefully unfolding all the layers, and beautiful photography.

Jane Campion created an Oscar contender which simply can not be overlooked. The story and characters crawl under the skin of the viewer and leave you thinking about the story even 24 hours after you finished this masterpiece.

Is it slow? Yes it is. Campion and her cast take their time to unfold all the layers, but man....what a not to be missed treat this one is.

Do watch and enjoy sheer craftsmanship with a ton of emotions!

More an appreciated it rather than loved it sort of film

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 17 April 2023]

Have absolutely no problem whatsoever with slow paced/deliberate films, there are actually slow paced films that are favourites of mine and have never been one of those people that has a mindset of if a film is slow paced it is immediately bad. Saw 'The Power of the Dog' as someone who has always admired Benedict Cumberbatch's acting, who has liked some of Jane Campion's other work, appreciates the Western genre and also because of the critical response.

For me, 'The Power of the Dog' was more one of those appreciated it rather than loved it films. There was a lot that was good about it and can see why it has been so acclaimed critically, but can equally totally see why the audience response was much more divisive and actually share a few of the criticisms that have often been cited. Regarding of whether it was deserving of the acclaim, it does have to be said that other films in 2021 connected with me a good deal more and were more accessible, primarily 'Coda' and 'Belfast'.

'The Power of the Dog' does have a lot of good. It is impeccably made visually, with the scenery being quite breath-taking and the film is exquisitely shot with a lot of stylish stylistic choices and atmosphere. Jonny Greenwood's score broods hauntingly. Campion's direction is often exemplary and personally didn't find it self-indulgent on the whole, some of how the turbulent lives of the characters are delved into was quite subtle and she was in full command and understanding of the material.

Moreover, there to me was tension and poignancy, particularly in the middle act, and psychologically the characters are interesting and complex emotionally. It is an astonishingly well acted film, with Cumberbatch's powerhouse performance being a career best and the very moving and not too passive Kirsten Dunst has not been this brilliant in years. Jesse Plemons' work is intense and heartfelt.

On the other hand, 'The Power of the Dog' does have problems. Some of the first half was very sluggish in pace and narratively it did take too long to set up.

Did find too often as well that the dialogue was clunky and didn't really flesh out or explain enough the character decisions and motivations, which were too often confusing and at worst ridiculous. The ending is more an ambiguous whimper that left me feel perplexed and indifferent, a far cry from a film like 'Coda' which had an emotionally devastating last act.

Concluding, a lot to admire but can really understand the widely polarising opinions. 7/10.

Coming from a family whose immigrant father learned the way of America through westerns.

[abraham-77662 · 9/10 · 4 December 2021]

Growing up with a Turkish father and an Irish-Catholic mother, there were very few things they've agreed on. Weather it's religion, culinary taste, or what would be considered a "Nuclear Family", the arguments where overwhelming and the "peace time" were few and far in between. When ever the house was completely silent, it was almost a certainty due to the fact that my father and I were watching a western...weather it was John Wayne (the worst but he paved the way) or Clint Eastwood (my personal favorite).

To me, in my opinion, this movie captures a story, that would otherwise have gone unnoticed, like a tumble weed blown down a barren yet undiscovered landscape but nevertheless would offer insight into a forgotten and lawless time. Maybe I'm biased because I am a personal fan of Kirsten Dunst (Virgin Suicides / Melancholia / Fargo ) and Jessie Plemons (Breaking Bad / Black Mirror / The Irishmen / Fargo (see above)), but the quiet scenes layered on the rustic atmosphere felt authentic and genuine...to a fault.

Now here is where I am lifting my index finger to adjust my nerdy glasses to say "well aaahhchtually" in a pretentions manner yet have no right too..esp since I'm also a HUGE comic enthusiast (basically my personal religion)..but.... Benedict Cumberbatch, for all his genius in his own right (check out "The Imitation Game", "Four Lions", or "Black Mass")...when it comes to a grizzled emotionally damaged rancher, I'm just not buying it. Maybe his "r's" are too hard, or he articulates way to well for someone who has been drinking, the accent and pronunciation takes me out of the environment, and leaves me feeling like I'm watching Broadway. It would be easier to dismiss if one of my favorite westerns (3:10 Tu Yuma) didn't star an British and Australian actor. Needless to say, BD's mannerisms, his twitches and ticks, were all there and on point...but the for a rancher in his position, should almost sound like someone who gargles gravel, not someone who is aware of his dictating someone else's narrative to a college admissions professor or whatever.

Also...the Ice Berg salad that Kristen Dunst served in the first quarter of the move looked WAY too fresh, I don't think supply chains were that efficient back then.

In any case, this my first review, my "two cents worth half-a-penny", but despite my nerdy pin-pricks. A great story and a tale worth watching.

Academy is on meth!

[nikree · 6/10 · 26 February 2022]

I'm not sure what the congregation of experts are high on, but this is definitely not a notable work.

Oscar nominations should must be a "must-watch". And this us clearly not.

Again, psychological thrillers witg deranged is always a big NO for me.

The power of The Power of the Dog is somewhat exaggerated

[cricketbat · 5/10 · 17 March 2022]

The Power of the Dog was interesting, however I couldn't decipher what it was trying to say. And while the acting from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and the rest of the cast is solid, the film seems a little pretentious. I also was distracted by some directorial choices. Perhaps it's because I heard so much buzz about it, but I just feel like The Power of the Dog is overrated.

Subtle and fascinating take on manhood and its ramifications

[starlight172006 · 10/10 · 27 December 2021]

This is a slow burn that navigates, not unlike a torrential river running towards an eventual drought, inside the soul of a man and his brother, and how heavy and unforgiving manhood can be. It is raw, disturbing and extremely well built. Benedict Cumberbatch is simply extraordinary as this bully whose layers are to be peeled progressively, sometimes to show a keen sense of torture and manipulation, and sometimes to reveal something far deeper and more complicated. A masterpiece, but could we expect any less from Jane Campion ?

Well directed and well played cumbersome story

[BeneCumb · 7/10 · 17 December 2022]

I had not the read the book, thus many scenes and twists remained incomprehensible to me and I had to read the plot afterwards... Well, the story was there, present, but it could have been shown far less than in almost 2 hours, and in spite of several intrigues and beautiful views, I can´t say it is too catchy.

The main reason I finally found time for this movie was the participation of Benedict Cumberbatch, whom I really admire; here, as well, he was great, excelling the others, even in dialogues with otherwise good performers as well.

I am really surprised that the movie got 12 Academy Award nominations - and not too surprised that it got 1 Award only (although, the nomination list already was not too impressive either and none of them earned more money in box office than production costs).

Boredom is one word to describe this tale...

[aidanratesmovies · 4/10 · 15 February 2022]

A seemingly endless mirage of depressing not so subtle subtext- The Power of the Dog misses its goals on nearly every mark- never quite finding the balance between its harsh realities and a decent story. I'll be honest and say the only reason I even completed watching this movie was to write my review. The first hour of this film was so incredibly tedious it was quite unbearable to watch at times- and took me 4 attempts to get through. The second half, thankfully, is a lot more interesting- but as with the rest of the film- still lacks a greater point despite its intended actions. Many may criticize me for hating on this film, saying i'm missing the point, but I understand what this film is trying to do completely- rather- I just think it does it quite poorly. It is trying to invoke a subtle nature of depression and mental illness in a time where it was more ill to bring these things to light in society than experience them. Its main problem is that it isn't quite so subtle, if it was any more obvious it'd be a flashing beacon with words on the screen shouting depression. Not to mention its tedious and incredibly dull storytelling hardly find any interesting moments into the later half, and even then, it's still quite a mess. The acting is decent- Cumberbatch and Plemmons are obviously giving it their all- and Dunst is too- but her performance feels overshadowed and too over the top given the films direction to truly deserve any praise. The cinematography is fantastic, and it truly captures the vibe of the films tone and atmosphere, but you still can't help but feel while watching at it that it's a beautiful empty vessel still attempting to find any significance. In the end, The Power of the Dog is another boring Oscar Bait flick, overrated and bound to be forgotten. It has its strengths, but far too little of them to make for a decent watch in any way shape or form.

My Rating: 4.2/10.

Visually full. Narratively thin.

[anthonyjlangford · 6/10 · 23 December 2021]

This is both exquisitely rich and frustratingly lacking.

It's so beautifully made. Rich in detail, with all of the elements in place. Yet after the initial set up, it meanders. The journey is so slow that it's simply wasted screentime. Scenes occur without purpose. Any development of character or story is so minimalistic that it could have been done in fifteen minutes.

You could easily watch the first twenty minutes and turn the sound off until the final fifteen. It's more of a series of alluringly themed images than a film.

This approach worked better in Bright Star, a film about a poet who saw the beauty around him. While Campion has always focused on environmental factors, those little details and moments that make her films so sumptuous, here it stagnates.

The shift, when it comes, doesn't feel natural for the character's journey. Particularly that of Cumberbatch. There's no real indication of why he goes from one set of behaviors to another, other than his deep-seated inclinations. Without wishing to add spoilers, it just doesn't feel natural or realistic. Especially after watching him at work in that first twenty minutes.

It does come together, in a way, in the finale but it's such a ponderous, unnecessary wait. Great opportunities have been wasted here.

Campion is a highly talented filmmaker, no question. But the screenplay is very thin. The other characters never shift. Never develop. And there's no real resolution for them either. There's literally nothing else going on beyond the set up and the final ten minutes. It's an overlong short film at best.

Still worth watching, just for the camera's gaze and the detailed production design.

Subtle and Beautiful Scenery

[thedogowner · 9/10 · 19 January 2022]

What I appreciated most about this film is that it doesn't insult your intelligence. There are many circumstances in the film that will offer a deeper understanding of the characters in a subtle way, allowing the viewer to read between the lines. You will understand why the bully feels the need to behave in such away. The behavior is not acceptable, you will simply understand the motivation.

What is true strength? To me one trait it is to be true to one's self even when it will not be acceptable and judged by others. Considering the time period that this film takes place in however being true to one's self could result in death.

If you are looking for an edge of your seat action packed film this is not what you want to watch right now. If you are in the mood to watch something laid back and can appreciate a well acted film as if you are simply an observer of the lives of others for a time, enjoy.

I watched it yesterday and I like the idea of waiting a day to see how it left me feeling. What I ended up with was an understanding of Phil and feeling empathy for him despite his mistreating of others.

Yes

[laragi · 6/10 · 2 December 2021]

It took me twice to appreciate this film. I guess you have to be in the mood to watch it.

Great characters and some dark gritty undertones. Worth the watch. Give it a chance. It's a slow burn.

The perfect level of slow burn and subtle hints

[nykischeuerman · 9/10 · 27 December 2021]

I came in to this movie with little background (not even a trailer watched) and some interest at the idea of Benedict Cumberbatch playing one of the titans of Americana: the cowboy. I left with deep satisfaction; beautiful cinematography, fantastic acting, and a conclusion that came with a slow unraveling of well placed clues. The conclusion forced a recalling moment of seemingly innocuous hints at what was to come later on, a hallmark of great, subtle storytelling.

Beautiful scenery, but the rest...

[richard-1787 · 2/10 · 4 December 2021]

Since she made The Piano, Jane Campion has become a cult figure in movies. Any of her movies will, therefore, have a devoted following, regardless of their quality.

Here's my take on this one, which I didn't like.

Yes, the exterior cinematography is often very beautiful.

But the rest left me detached, unmoved, and unimpressed.

The script is full of very artificial dialogue that often goes nowhere.

Most of the scenes move at the speed of molasses in January. Endless moments are presented as significant because they move slowly and there is next to total silence.

I just didn't care. Some previous reviewers said this created tension. I felt no tension whatsoever.

Nor do I see this movie as displaying great acting. Not the actors' fault, certainly. They were given little to work with. Endless pained expressions do not constitute great acting, especially in a sound picture.

I stuck it out until the end. Thank God it was on Netflix. I don't think I could have made it all the way through in a movie theater. Despite what some of the previous reviews suggest, there is no surprise ending. The truly bizarre boy turns out to have a backbone, of sorts, and that's about it.

Watch it at your own risk, and make of it what you will.

Shocking end

[zuzana-hromcova · 9/10 · 29 December 2021]

Very slow, very human. Little bit sad. I guessed many endings while watching. But not this one. I was expecting many things but the end really shocked me.

An amazing Benedict Cumberbatch in a slow, dull and hidden movie

[baldomera-palomitera · 6/10 · 24 March 2022]

For me what didn't work was the super slow pacing, how much of the plot is hidden inside the movie (it feels a bit like the movie is ashamed of itself) and I specially didn't enjoy at all Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons.

Every minute they were on screen I was just begging for them to go away. What a lifeless and dull performance from the couple. I wasn't expecting this having seen their previous work. But come on, Benedict Cumberbatch is from England and his accent is so much more believable than Jesse! And Jesse is from TEXAS!!

The only thing I enjoyed from this movie is Benedict, the cinematography and the scenery. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets Best Actor this year.