The Power of the Dog

 

             Written and directed by the remarkable Jane Campion (based on the novel by Thomas Savage), this new drama takes place in 1925 on a sprawling cattle ranch in Montana.  The two brothers, the volatile Phil and the reserved George, who own the ranch, are played respectively by Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemmons.

              Phil is the "cowboy" of the two, working hands on with the horses, cattle and side by side with their ranch hands. He is always telling stories about "Bronco Henry", his late mentor who taught him all his cowboy skills. George, the more subdued of the two, wears suits with a bowtie and seems to spend much if his time engaged in the finances of running the ranch.  When Phil suddenly marries Rose, a widow with a teenage son, Phil is resentful of her inclusion in their life and taunts and teases her at every turn, especially making fun of her effeminate son Peter.

          Kirsten Dunst plays Rose and Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Peter. The film also costars Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon and in smaller roles, Frances Conroy and Keith Carradine.

           The cast is excellent, especially Mr. Cumberbatch, Ms. Dunst and Mr. Smit- McPhee. Phil's taunts and resentments of Rose take their toll and Ms. Dunst's gradual change over the course of the film is a wonder in its tragedy.  Phil's relationship with Peter borders on underlying and suppressed homoerotic feelings that are brought to the surface in a particularly brilliant scene.

            The cinematography is stunning and Ms. Campion's direction while deliberately slow and steady, gives her actor's the time and range to fully express the building tension of their relationships. The story goes to an unexpected place and subtly sneaks up on you until ending on an explosive revelation that will make you rethink the entire film.