"The Power of the Dog" (2021) Movie Review: A Haunting and Complex Exploration of Masculinity, Desire, and Power

The Power of the Dog (2021), directed by Jane Campion, is a masterfully crafted and emotionally layered film set against the rugged backdrop of 1920s Montana. Based on the novel by Thomas Savage, the film explores themes of repressed desire, toxic masculinity, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships. With stunning performances from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Power of the Dog is a slow-burn psychological drama that gradually reveals its secrets, leaving a lingering impact on its audience. Campion’s direction, coupled with the film’s exquisite cinematography, creates a haunting atmosphere, making it one of the most talked-about films of 2021.

Plot Overview

Set on a sprawling ranch in Montana, the story revolves around two brothers, Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons), who run a cattle ranch together. Phil is the older brother, a rough, domineering figure who prides himself on his masculinity and authority. He is well-respected in the community, but his harsh and controlling nature masks a deep sense of insecurity and unacknowledged desires. George, in contrast, is more reserved and gentle, and when he marries Rose (Kirsten Dunst), a widow who runs a small inn, Phil’s resentment and jealousy begin to simmer.

Tensions escalate when Rose’s son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a quiet and bookish young man, comes to live with them. Phil’s cruel and condescending treatment of both Rose and Peter sets in motion a power struggle, with Phil exerting his influence over the family. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Phil’s rigid control is rooted in his own repressed emotions, especially his deep, complicated feelings toward his late mentor, Bronco Henry.

As the story develops, the power dynamics between the characters shift, revealing unexpected vulnerabilities and hidden truths. The film’s climax is both shocking and revelatory, offering a deep meditation on the impact of unchecked desire, envy, and the consequences of living in a world defined by rigid gender roles.

Themes of Masculinity, Power, and Desire

At its core, The Power of the Dog is a nuanced exploration of masculinity and the ways in which it can be both toxic and fragile. Phil’s character embodies a type of masculinity that is aggressive, domineering, and deeply insecure. He exerts power over his brother George and the women around him, particularly Rose, whom he sees as weak and undeserving of his brother’s affection. However, beneath his rough exterior, Phil harbors feelings and desires that he cannot openly express. His relationship with Bronco Henry is hinted at as an unspoken source of both admiration and longing, suggesting that Phil’s cruelty may be a defense mechanism against his own emotional turmoil.

Phil’s complex and repressed desires are contrasted with the more overtly tender and gentle nature of his brother George. George’s quieter, more empathetic demeanor challenges Phil’s notion of what it means to be a man. As the film progresses, the tension between these two brothers becomes a microcosm of the larger societal expectations placed on men, where vulnerability and tenderness are viewed as weaknesses rather than strengths.

The film also delves into the impact of power and control, particularly how it can shape relationships. Phil’s power over his brother and Rose is rooted in his ability to manipulate and intimidate, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this power is illusory. His dominance is ultimately threatened by his own repressed desires and the emerging agency of the other characters. The theme of power is also explored in the relationship between Peter and Phil, with Peter’s quiet intelligence and subtle defiance challenging Phil’s control and revealing the fragility of the older man’s authority.

Character Development and Performances

The performances in The Power of the Dog are outstanding, with each actor bringing depth and complexity to their roles. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a powerhouse performance as Phil, embodying a character who is both intimidating and vulnerable. Cumberbatch expertly conveys Phil’s inner conflict, making him a character who is simultaneously repellent and sympathetic. His portrayal of a man struggling to reconcile his outward aggression with his hidden desires is haunting and unforgettable.

Kirsten Dunst plays Rose, a woman caught in the emotional and psychological crossfire of Phil’s cruelty. Dunst brings a quiet, melancholic strength to Rose, a character who is initially portrayed as fragile and insecure but gradually reveals her own resilience. Her performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of power dynamics and the emotional toll of being manipulated by a domineering figure.

Jesse Plemons gives a subtle but powerful performance as George, the more empathetic brother. His portrayal of George’s emotional detachment and his gradual transformation over the course of the film are moving and complex. Plemons captures the quiet dignity of a man who has lived in the shadow of his more forceful brother and is forced to confront his own complicity in the family’s dysfunction.

Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Peter, the young man who initially appears to be a weak and delicate figure but gradually reveals a cunning intelligence and strength that challenges Phil’s dominance. Smit-McPhee’s performance is restrained but powerful, as he carefully navigates his character’s internal world and his evolving relationship with Phil.

Cinematography and Direction

The cinematography by Ari Wegner is stunning, with sweeping shots of the Montana landscape that contrast with the intimate, tense moments between the characters. The wide, open spaces of the ranch are juxtaposed with the claustrophobic interiors of the house, symbolizing the emotional confinement that the characters experience. The film’s visual style is both elegant and haunting, with the landscapes becoming a reflection of the internal struggles of the characters.

David Campion’s direction is meticulous, allowing the tension to build slowly and methodically. The pacing of the film is deliberate, and Campion creates a sense of dread and unease that permeates every scene. The quiet, subtle moments of the film are just as powerful as the more dramatic confrontations, with Campion’s direction allowing the characters’ emotions to simmer beneath the surface.

The use of sound and music in the film also plays a crucial role in establishing its atmosphere. Composer Jonny Greenwood’s score is haunting and atmospheric, complementing the film’s tone and enhancing its sense of emotional tension. The film’s quiet moments are underscored by a subtle, eerie score that adds to the film’s sense of unease and impending doom.

Final Thoughts

The Power of the Dog (2021) is a haunting, atmospheric, and emotionally complex film that explores the darker sides of human nature, particularly in relation to power, masculinity, and desire. With exceptional performances, stunning cinematography, and a meticulous, nuanced script, Jane Campion has created a modern Western that is both introspective and thrilling. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Phil is a career-defining performance, and the film’s exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of repressed desire makes it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film is slow-burn in nature, allowing its tension to build gradually, but the payoff is worth the wait. The Power of the Dog is a thought-provoking, chilling, and emotionally impactful film that challenges conventional notions of masculinity, power, and vulnerability. It is a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of living in a world defined by rigid gender roles. For those who appreciate psychological depth, character-driven narratives, and hauntingly beautiful visuals, The Power of the Dog is a must-watch.