“The Power of the Dog” is a masterclass in tension, directed by Jane Campion, that peels back the rugged façade of the American West to reveal the complexities lurking beneath. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a riveting performance as Phil Burbank, a domineering rancher whose cruelty masks deep, unspoken pain. The film’s slow, deliberate pace mirrors the simmering conflict between Phil and his brother’s new wife, Rose (Kirsten Dunst), as subtle manipulations and suppressed emotions quietly boil over.
Campion’s use of wide, desolate landscapes juxtaposed with intimate, unnerving close-ups crafts a mood that’s both beautiful and unsettling. “The Power of the Dog” unravels as a psychological chess game where silence speaks louder than gunshots, revealing the toxic vulnerabilities of its characters in a haunting and unforgettable way.
