Power of the Dog

 

Power of the Dog (Netflix)

A friend recommended this movie, I knew nothing about it. It is a Western set in the 1920’s in Montana about two successful brothers who own a large cattle ranch. The brothers are total opposites.

Phil, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is the stereotypical macho cowboy lean, rough, mean and unwashed. The polar opposite is George his brother, played by Jesse Plemons. George rides horses wearing suit with bowtie, is kind and  bathes. These comparisons appear stark but underly the complexity of the film. The film is in layers which unfold revealing repressed passions and temptations.

Benedict Cumberbatch is magnificent. He embodies Phil. He is an intimidating bully who always seems angry. His anger escalates  when George marries a widow, Rose Gordon, played by Kirsten Dunst. Phil totally despises Rose to the point she seeks refuge in alcoholism. This has to be one of Dunst’s best performances. The dejection on her face and persecution by Phil is palpable. Phil’s cruelties  are shrouded in his insecurities. Rose has a son, Peter played by Kodi Smith-McPhee. His delicate nature complements his willowy physique. His ten gallon hat consumes him. Smith-McPhee’s acting is sublime. Peter is a new target for Phil’s disdain and intimidation. But Peter does not cower and collapse like this mother. This willow has thorns.

The story is rich and complex. As the layers unfold the true nature of the characters emerge. Strong becomes weak and weak becomes strong.

The title of ‘The Power of the Dog’ is a reference to a verse in Psalm 22 of the Book of Psalms, which is a part of the Christian Old Testament as well as the third section of the Hebrew Bible. Since I am not a theologian I will leave interpretations to others.

This amazing movie is for free on Netflix. It cost $30-$39m to produce for a box office of $160,000. Hollywood accounting is arcane, but this suggests the streaming platforms are more concerned with prestige rather than profit. A small box office do not rule out nominations.