Film Review: 'The Power of the Dog'
When looking at highly acclaimed or must-see films from 2021, a title that often comes up is ‘The Power of the Dog’, a psychological western drama directed by Jane Campion. With the Netflix original film sweeping through awards season and being in serious talks for a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards, I was highly intrigued to see it. After watching the film, I can say two things. One, that it is certainly an interesting film. And two, it has surprisingly little to do with dogs. ‘The Power of the Dog’ focuses on Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch), a cold-hearted rancher who lives with his brother George (Jesse Plemons). When George marries Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst), an inn owner, Phil finds his life disrupted as Rose and her effeminate son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) move into his home. This leads to Phil becoming envious of Rose and spending his time tormenting her. Whilst this happens, he also strikes up a strange and unlikely friendship with Peter, an action that initi