The Power of the Dog (2021) – 7.5/10 – Great technicals but weak story/pacing/plot
‘The Power of the Dog’ is a modern-day Western drama. Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a cold, intimidating, rude, heartless rancher in 1925, Montana. His brother, George (Jesse Plemons), marries a widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), whom he met during their travel. They move together on a large family-owned ranch. Phil, being the toxic alpha, instills fear in Rose. Rose also has a son from her previous marriage, who fears Phil but slowly takes a liking to him. The ending allows earlier foreshadowing moments to click into place. I don’t know if Phil was a sociopath, but he seemed like one. The style of this film is interesting with chapters splitting different acts.
This movie is hard to recommend. It’s a very subtle and slow-paced story. A lot is happening between the lines of minimal dialogue and narration. I thought hard about turning it off multiple times, but I slugged through on enchanting technicals. The technicals are amazing, so that’s the only reason I gave this film a 7.5. If we are judging just the story, it’s a 6. If the technicals were not so great, I would have turned this film off in 15 minutes, and there would be no review. I try to be patient, but I have a rule that if I don’t like a movie, it’s off. This film tested the upper limits of my patience. So, the technicals. The acting, cinematography, directing, music, visuals, costuming, and atmosphere are very well done to place you into 1925. Cumberbatch is a great actor. He seems to always be at the top of his game even since his Sherlock days. The story, pacing, and plot were disappointing. Short, scathing review. I have little to say.
Would I recommend this? No. I cannot. Unless you are a
