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The Power of the Dog
(2021)
A story of love, hurt, and
loneliness.
Director: Jane Campion, rated R for sexuality,
nudity, language
  Starring:
Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, George
Mason, Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon, Keith Carradine, Frances Conroy,
Peter Carroll
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Yep. He taught me to
use my eyes in ways that other people can't. Take that hill over
there. Most people look at it and just see a hill. Where Bronco
looked at it, what do you suppose he saw?"
- Phil Burbank,
regarding Bronco Henry
Why watch this?
Frontier life had its complications, too.
Plot Summary:
In 1920s Montana, charismatic but cruel rancher Phil Burbank
engages in a campaign of psychological torment against his
brother's new wife, Rose, and her sensitive son, Peter. As
Phil's bullying drives the family toward despair, he
unexpectedly develops a complex, mentor-like bond with Peter,
exposing his own hidden vulnerabilities. Amidst the rising
tensions and deep-seated resentments on the ranch, a dramatic
shift in power dynamics occurs, leading to a shocking conclusion.
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Dad's Preview:
I started watching this and fell asleep, probably due to the
bourbon. I finally did watch it, start to finish, with
intense focus, and now I understand it. This poster child for the term
"slow burn" seems like a day-in-the-life Cowboy drama about two
very different brothers. One of them, Phil, is a horrible,
toxically-masculine ruffian. He is harsh, hurtful and specializes
in pettiness. His subtle cruelty to his brother's new bride is
devious. Thank you, Mr. Cumberbatch, for once again showing us
your acting range. As Phil maneuvers his way into young Peter's
orbit, this only hurts Rose more. This is psychological
manipulation by someone who cannot be who he really is,
so he takes it out on those around him. At the film's end, we
are left to fill in the blanks, yet the clues are there, if you
just look at the clues. |
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New Zealand Film
Comm.; BBC Film, Max Films,
See-Saw Films,
Cross City Films, Bad Girl Creek,
Brightstar; Netflix
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