Netflix’s newest original film The Power of the Dog is a Western drama from Oscar-winning director Jane Campion that seems slow and boring on the surface but ultimately explodes with enough drama, passion and homoeroticism that audiences have been left completely stunned. Literal ice tea, shaken and STIRRED baby. And the TEA is that this film is absolutely iconique, which is why I sincerely need y’all to give it a chance!!!
The plot is fairly simple and easy to follow–wealthy brothers Phil (a rugged and cruel Benedict Cumberbatch) and George (a sweet and sensitive Jesse Plemmons) stop by single mother Rose’s (a completely lovely Kirsten Dunst) diner during a cattle drive. During dinner, Phil continues to mock and berate Rose’s son Peter (a brilliantly subtly sassy Kodi Smit-McPhee) for his homemade flower decorations and lack of “masculinity” (what is that??? we don’t know her?). George is immediately taken by Rose and the two quickly get married and, with Peter, move into the giant ranch mansion that Phil and George share, to the upmost chagrin of Phil, who believe Rose only married George for their money. Phil has no problem imposing his extreme dislike of Rose publicly, which quickly pushes her into alcoholism and clinical depression. Peter’s budding relationship with his new Uncle Phil pushes her further over the brink, as Phil and Peter continue to grow closer by the day until the moment that changes the course of everything.
That’s it. That’s the whole film and it’s INCREDIBLE and it so subtly homosexual but at the same time it isn’t really… subtle at all? Iykyk lolol. The more the audience learns about Phil’s past (and a seemingly passionate relationship with a one Bronco Henry) the more the plot of the movie goes up in the air, as it’s truly impossible to predict where this film is going in the end. However, I am here to tell y’all that it is GAY and you will LOVE IT. That’s all you should need to literally go RUN and watch this film!!!
This film is going to be nominated and this film is going to WIN Oscars luvs. Period. To be quite honest I have never been super impressed with Cumberbatch in any of his roles but this performance was truly next level. I loved the *** and ***** shots the most The complexities brought to Phil were masterclass, worthy of all the praise he is getting and absolutely worthy of an Oscar win. Currently my personal choice to win Best Actor this year. Jesse Plemmons brings the perfect contrast to Phil as the kind-hearted George, a man who has put up with decades of abuse from his brother and still remains a sensitive and nice person. Plemmons brings a rich sweetness to the role, honestly doing more than the script really gave him because he’s just that good. I really wish he had a little more to do in this film because Plemmons is naturally just so fantastic but the writers didn’t come through this time and I hate that for us!
Kirsten Dunst is simply phenomenal as the deteriorating Rose, whose arc from kind mother to completely perished alcoholic is one of the most compelling parts of the film. Dunst’s acting prowess shines as she navigates the widest range of emotions; her big scene towards the end is one that stands out to me most about this film and is the reason that I’m really eager for her to hopefully get her first Oscar nomination!!! Truly great work from Kirsten and I can’t wait to see what else she does in the near future! Lastly, but in my opinion most importantly, is Kodi Smit-McPhee’s perfectly calculated performance as the outsider Peter. I haven’t identified with a character like I did with Peter in a LONG time and Smit-McPhee is a huge reason why–plus he was absolutely serving in that tall cowboy hat. I’m almost positive that Peter is a Capricorn (this man was giving me complete Capricorn energy) but the way that he manipulated Phil and turned he and his mom’s entire situation around on its head completely blew my mind. The entire last 30 minutes had me so completely enthralled, so excitingly on the edge of my seat! I was SCREAMING and yet I couldn’t look away. So. So. Good.
Jane Campion’s direction is the absolute definition of perfect. She is so distinctly precise, like a surgeon at work who has done this a million times and knows exactly what the gays want. And honey???? She gives it to us in spades! Campion’s expertise is highlighted most in the cigarette scene (yes THAT SCENE) and is truly one of the most sensual I’ve ever seen. This is a scene that I will be thinking about, rewatching and dissecting for years to come (nothing but respect for MY Henry Bronco!). I also must give cinematographer Ari Wagner a HUGE shout-out, as her vision of the rolling Montana mountains and lush landscape really set the tone of this film. There is so much said (and unsaid) through her visionary use of angles, lighting and shadows. My eyes truly could not get enough! Lastly, the score by Jonny Greenwood is perfect for the film and really ties everything together nicely! The score behind the scene where Rose sells the hides sticks and the chaotic aftermath sticks out as one of the most impactful I’ve seen in a film this year. Truly loved it.
Lastly I just have to praise the critique on toxic masculinity. While Phil stomps around, demanding respect and asserting his masculinity, Peter quietly demonstrates what it means to be to be a “real man” (whatever THAT is) through how he protects his mom and outsmarts Phil in the end. There’s nothing more masculine than seeing your mom in a toxic and dangerous situation and expertly planning her escape (and yours by proxy). Incredibly expert and effective take on “manliness” in my opinion.
The Power of the Dog is a stunning family drama, a gay romance, a revenge film and a Western drama all at the same time–but somehow it works PERFECTLY. I am hardcore rooting for this film come awards season, as I truly believe it should win the Best Picture Oscar and firmly believe it will be a serious contender. I would like to thank Bronco Henry and the Academy in advance for any nominations. Now go watch this film!!! (And then tweet me hehe). The verdict is in: Bronco Henry has brewed tea and it is HOT!
Xoxo,
Your favorite Power Twink,
Wesley
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