The Power of the Dog

I watched this movie without any particular expectations, and I was positively surprised!

This is not your usual western, the pace is really slow and I would say that it's one of those movies which are strongly based on the atmosphere more than on the plot. If this kind of movies are of your taste, I strongly recommend watching it.

The director did an amazing job in creating a tense atmosphere since the very beginning, and in keeping it up for the whole length of the screentime. The main characters are complex and well defined, and the actors were perfectly cast. I think this was my favourite performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who once again proved to be a versatile actor.

Maybe the character that I liked less is Kirsten Stuart's, who in my opinion was a bit too one-dimensional and maybe deserved more lines or screen time, since she happened to be pretty important for the development of the plot.

I liked the twist at the ending, which I wasn't expecting since I didn't read the book the movie is based on.

The Power of the Dog was interesting, however I couldn't decipher what it was trying to say. And while the acting from Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and the rest of the cast is solid, the film seems a little pretentious. I also was distracted by some directorial choices. Perhaps it's because I heard so much buzz about it, but I just feel like The Power of the Dog is overrated.

What I appreciated most about this film is that it doesn't insult your intelligence. There are many circumstances in the film that will offer a deeper understanding of the characters in a subtle way, allowing the viewer to read between the lines. You will understand why the bully feels the need to behave in such away. The behavior is not acceptable, you will simply understand the motivation.

What is true strength? To me one trait it is to be true to one's self even when it will not be acceptable and judged by others. Considering the time period that this film takes place in however being true to one's self could result in death.

If you are looking for an edge of your seat action packed film this is not what you want to watch right now. If you are in the mood to watch something laid back and can appreciate a well acted film as if you are simply an observer of the lives of others for a time, enjoy.

I watched it yesterday and I like the idea of waiting a day to see how it left me feeling. What I ended up with was an understanding of Phil and feeling empathy for him despite his mistreating of others.

Reading a number of reviews here that are not very kind, I almost decided to skip this one. But I thought I'd give it 20 to 30 minutes then abandon it if not invested. I am glad I did, it seems to me the negative reviews are from viewers who simply did not comprehend the whole story. And that includes the very last scene where everything is wrapped up. I found it to be a good movie and a worthwhile viewing. On DVD from my public library, my wife skipped.

Filmed entirely in New Zealand, so it doesn't look much like the setting, Montana ranch land. The central characters are two brothers old enough to remember their first cattle drive 25 years earlier, in 1900. They have polar opposite personalities. One (Cumberbatch) is smart and educated, perpetually grungy, and quick to throw criticisms at others. The other (Plemons) is kind and clean. When he brings home a wife (Dunst, real-life wife of Plemons) his brother taunts her in subtle ways and her young teen son picks up on it. The rest of the story is how the son works things out to save his mother who is depressed and has turned to drinking excessively.

This is not a movie for the impatient, or for those who don't pay attention to detail. If anyone wants to understand it in more detail do a search on "power of the dog psalm 22:30".

A cinematic experience in ambientation, scenery, character development, and brilliant performances. Do not get any spoilers to really enjoy this brainy film.