The Power of the Dog

Name: The Power of the Dog
Director: Jane Campion
Genre: Drama, Western
Released: 2021-10-25
Rating: 6.9

October 25, 2021· 2h 7m

Drama Western

Directed by

Jane Campion

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch Kodi Smit-McPhee Kirsten Dunst Jesse Plemons Thomasin McKenzie Geneviève Lemon +36 more ↓

Cinemagraphs Score6.9

A domineering but charismatic rancher wages a war of intimidation on his brother's new wife and her teen son, until long-hidden secrets come to light.

Audience Sentiment

Overall6.9

1 — Hated it5 — Neutral10 — Masterpiece

Critics

8+ Great

6-8 Good

<6 Poor

7 reviews·Last updated 1d ago

Peak Moment

The piano humiliation scene

8.1at 36m

Lowest Moment

Slow burn continues

5.2at 52m

Biggest Swing

The film's most dramatic shift occurs when Phil's secret sexuality is revealed, transforming him from a simple antagonist into a complex, repressed character, though this high point is later undermined by an ending many found rushed

Critics praised Campion's return with exceptional performances and stunning cinematography, particularly lauding the piano humiliation scene and Phil's character complexity. However, many found the deliberately slow pacing occasionally tedious and the ending abrupt and unsatisfying after such careful buildup.

7 reviews analyzed|Sources: Guardian, Tmdb