Released: 17th November 2021 (UK and US Netflix)
Length: 126 Minutes
Certificate: 12A
Director: Jane Campion
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kodi Smit-Mcphee, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons
What do you usually think of when it comes to the western genre? Outlaws? Gun battles? The lawless land of the old frontier? These themes have been tackled many times before in a crowded collection of films. The Power Of The Dog strikes out in a different, more dramatic direction; the result is an excellent release that taps into an emotive tone.
Based on the Thomas Savage novel, the film takes place on a 1920s settlement in the American West. Owned by Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the area is visited by two wealthy ranch-hands; the kind-hearted George (Jesse Plemons) and his more bitter brother Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch). The two settle into work on the homestead with both connections and frictions taking shape. As the plot goes on, deeper, more personal problems emerge and the group bands together to solve them. Much of the plot is told through gentle interactions and the characters going about their daily business. The use of two contrasting perspectives makes for brilliant drama while also grounding the film in history. The end of the wild west and the onset of modern civilization created two distinctive directions; those who preferred being one with nature and those who leaned towards more structured and eloquent lives. Through both verbal conflict and bonding, The Power Of The Dog creates a compelling story that moves slower than most of its contemporaries, but always keeps you invested.
All of the main characters are highly distinctive and memorable; it’s notable that much of the cast has previous experience in the genre. Cumberbatch has a more ragged and rough role with Phil. We watch this hardened man slowly come to appreciate the strengths of others. Simultaneously, the other leads also undergo change; Kodi Smit-McPhee, who previously starred in Slow West, delivers another strong performance. At first Peter is viewed as a bit of outcast, a bookworm mocked by the ranch workers. Over time, he perseveres and begins to learn from Phil the kind of practical skills a ranch owner needs. Plemons and Dunst, fresh off their collaboration in Fargo, have great chemistry as George shows sympathy for Rose’s inner grief. Every character is performed beautifully, fuelling the theme of human connection. Though they all have their differences, The Power Of The Dog shows how these people come to care for each other, making for a poignant and affecting production. It does all of this with no need for action sequences or violent conflict between them. Whether they have scenes to themselves or with others, dialogue is kept to a minimum with facial expressions and body language being used to communicate much of the greater feeling.
The presentation is also stellar. For starters, the film makes the most of its singular setting; we’re treated to breath-taking shots of the landscape which make the lone settlement feel incredibly small by comparison. This is matched by more intimate shots of the ranchers in nature, the sun glistening as they work and relax. The camerawork is slow and steady all the way through, keeping the lens trained on the actors and their varied emotions. In addition, the lighting also reflects the character’s perspectives; Phil is seen in darker tones early on which speaks to his disdain for those who haven’t worked the fields all their life, but as time goes on, he starts to warm to the other characters and the shadows change to reflect this. The sets and costumes and equally immaculate, flawlessly representing the time period and the contrast between the two sides; even before the characters speak, you know exactly where they stand and what their opinions are. It’s a quiet flick for the most part, but when music is used, it’s done in direct reference to the cast; for example, Rose’s playing of the piano leads to a more serious background piece when her stress levels rise. So many elements are fully in tune with the emotions on-screen which heightens the immersion.
The Power Of The Dog is simply one of the best westerns in recent memory. Putting aside its exquisite cinematography and raw performances, what we have at the centre is an emotional tale that focuses squarely on its characters, their differences and internal problems. In this way, it stands apart from every other release in the genre and plants itself firmly among the strongest films of 2021.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)
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