A story of love, hurt, and loneliness.

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.

Dad's Preview: I started watching this and fell asleep. Probably can thank the bourbon. I finally did watch it, start to finish, with intense focus, and now I get 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 person. He is harsh, hurtful and specializes in pettiness. His subtle cruelty to his brother's new bride is chilling. 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 deeper. 

New Zealand Film Comm.; BBC Film, Max Films, See-Saw Films,
Cross City Films, Bad Girl Creek, Brightstar; Netflix