Psychological thriller hailed as a 'masterpiece' now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer
Released in 2021, The Power of the Dog is a haunting and slow-burning psychological thriller set in Montana in the 1920s. Directed by Jane Campion and based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name, the film features a star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunset and Kodi Smit-Mcphee.
The film follows Phil and George Burbank, wealthy ranching brothers played by Cumberbatch and Plemons, whose lives are disturbed when they meet a widow, Rose (Dunst) and her son (Smit-McPhee) during a cattle drive.
While George forms a romantic relationship with Rose, eventually marrying her, Phil's hostility towards her intensifies, creating a tense and awkward atmosphere when she and her son move into the Burbank ranch house.
As Phil taunts Rose, he surprisingly begins to take Peter under his wing. But what seems like an innocent gesture of goodwill seems to unravel more complex motivations on Phil's end, leaving Rose extremely uneasy.
The story is full of tension, drama and uneasiness making it a must watch for movie lovers.
For those who haven't watched the award-winning hit, or just want to rewatch the film, it is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, as well as being available on Netflix to watch now.
The Power of the Dog was an instant hit following its premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, as well as being nominated for 12 Oscars and seven Golden Globes.
It has been hailed as the best film of 2021 by the American Film Institute and it currently holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer reviewed the film on Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing: "When you don't know nothing about it and you are slowly surprised is nice! Everything is slow about this film (the good way) and after some hours, days and weeks still grows on you."
Another view praised the acting skills, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating: "Strong performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst."
A third hailed it as 'captivating' giving it 4 out of 5 stars, as they said: "Definitely a slow burn movie, and quite odd. But captivating and mysterious. It will leave you wondering long after the credits roll."
Critics have also reviewed the film, with the New York Times stating: "The Power of the Dog builds tremendous force, gaining its momentum through the harmonious discord of its performances, the nervous rhythms of Jonny Greenwood's score and the grandeur of its visuals."
And USA Today called The Power of the Dog a "picturesque, enthralling exploration of male ego and toxic masculinity, crafted by an extremely talented woman and offering enough nuanced bite to keep it interesting till the very end."
The Power of the Dog is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer for free, as well as Netflix.
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