The Power of the Dog

directed by Jane Campion - 8/10

Twelve years after her last film, Jane Campion has returned to the cinemas with The Power of the Dog, a critically-acclaimed atmospheric slow burn set in 1920s Montana. The movie explores isolation and intimacy between contrasting but interconnected characters. While slow-paced modern Westerns are one of my least favorite genres, this film was pleasantly surprising and gratifying.

Firstly, the film is a visual paragon - sensational costumes, rich production design, and deep, dusty cinematography that captures the ominous tension of the narrative. Each shot could be isolated as an intimate portrait of the old west, with striking silhouettes and sweeping landscapes. Paired with strategic editing and Jonny Greenwood’s expertly articulated score, the movie is a masterclass in audiovisual storytelling.

The Power of the Dog drags somewhat in the first hour and remains relatively reserved. However, by the start of the third act, it starts to reveal its secrets, unfurling itself slowly into a fully-formed narrative with a fleshed out resolution. The screenplay begins to tighten, transforming from a looser, mellow story to one of unnerving anticipation and tension. Campion pieces the narrative together patiently and carefully, until it is constructed into one of towering, intricate grandeur.

Throughout the film, Campion explores fragile themes of masculinity, protection, and sexuality as the characters navigate the rich but archaic social landscape that seemingly holds all of them back in different ways. The movie features glaring homoerotic subtexts and critiques of toxic masculinity, intriguing at times but lacking in depth at others. Occasionally, the commentary seems to play it safe; The Power of the Dog feels like it has more to say, but it holds back.

The film also boasts some of the best ensemble performances of the year from a stellar cast. Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee stand out as the highlights of the cast, working together as a mesmerizing duo. The rest of the cast does not falter; Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a solid and memorable performance (though his accent is slightly off-putting at times), but Jesse Plemons, while strong, pales in comparison to his costars, occasionally fading into the background.

The Power of the Dog, in its entirety, is a thoroughly captivating and entertaining film. It introduces itself as tranquil, only to reveal a sinister and ever-present threat beneath its surface. It is gentler than a sunbathed stretch of river, sharper than a blade cutting through hide, and more threatening than a shadowy predator lurking on a nearby mountain.

The Power of the Dog was released on November 17, 2021 and is currently streaming on Netflix.