Power of the Dog Review

Some films leave you with an overwhelming impression, often condensed into a single word. In this case, I am left with "strange"; what a strange, strange film this is. The story is seemingly small whilst containing unbearable emotions, and it reaches its conclusion twistedly, the culmination of a slow burn. It is 2h hours of almost continuous, unrelenting build-up, the tension palpable in my posture whilst watching. Having said that, I confess myself let down by the ending, which felt anti-climatic and quasi rushed, not proportional to the mounting feeling of dread that had preceded it.

Not knowing the book, it's difficult to judge how successful an adaptation this is but I will say the storytelling was excellent. Not only was dialogue laden with subtext and layers of meaning, but all the characters' interactions rang true. Johnny Greenwood's score is spine-chilling and beautiful, underpinning the ever-present tension, and feels simultaneously appropriate for the era and fresh. The cinematography rightly deserves its nomination, managing to capture the infinite vistas of Montana (filmed in New Zealand) even on Netflix's small screen.

But this is a movie that lives through the performances. Kodi Smit-McPhee's Peter transitions from the ingénue we feel needs protection to an increasingly creepy presence; Jesse Plemmons's George is the paradigm of walling oneself off as emotional protection; and Kirsten Dunst, who could have gotten away with being considered the lead actress rather than supporting, beautifully portrays Rose's internalised despair. Internalisation is indeed the word of the day, as every performance relays characters' complex, contradicting, forbidden feelings with subtlety. And none more than Benedict Cumberbatch. 10 minutes in, I became aware of the sense of menace that emanated from him even when not speaking. He felt dangerous and threatening, as if at any moment he might explode and do the unspeakable. As the story progressed, however, I found myself pitying this cold, cruel man, wondering what could have happened in his past to make him so. Cumberbatch's performance is a masterclass in understatement, both showing us the play of emotions through his eyes and body language that Phil expertly hides, and conveying the sense of a taught elastic ready to snap.

All in all, while I find it a good film and adored the acting and music, not sure it will be one I ever return to.

Conclusion: Solid [what's this?]

Power of the Dog came out in 2021.