Netflix fans blown away by 'masterpiece' Western film with 'career best' performances from A-list cast - as revenge twist leaves them 'shaken'

Daily Mail​

26-04-2025

Netflix fans have been blown away by a Western film which has been hailed as a 'masterpiece'.
The Power Of The Dog, which is based on the 1967 novel and released in 2021, delivers a heartbreaking story of two Burbank brothers, Phil and George.
Set against the western backdrop of 1920s Montana, the pair of cowboys manage their family's ranch until one of them falls in love and sets off a chain of event.
Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil, the brutal sibling that hopes to destroy his brothers newfound family and his relationship.
Phil develops a strong disliking towards his brother's wife and son, as he uses rough ways to provoke and disturb them.
The Power Of The Dog's ensemble also includes Thomasin McKenzie, Frances Conroy, Keith Carradine, Peter Carroll, and Adam Beach, among others.
A Rotten Tomatoes review states: 'This movie may be hard to watch at times, but it is worth it.
'Great atmosphere, an incredibly compelling story, amazing acting and characters that are genuinely interesting and multidimensional.
'The Power Of The Dog had me emotionally invested and left me shaken. Definitely recommend this movie.'
The film made history as it became the first directed by a woman to secure over 10 Oscar nods, with a whooping 12 at the 94th Academy Awards.
Jane Chapman won the Best Director at the Oscars, and had wins at the BAFTA and Golden Globe ceremonies the same year.
The Netflix hit has earned high praise across the board for its quietly intense drama.
One critic said: 'An exacting drama about masculinity, toxic and otherwise... The strong performances and the striking visual style make this a potent piece of filmmaking.'
A second echoed: '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.'
'Jane Campion's eighth feature film, her first in 12 years, The Power Of The Dog reconfirms the director as a powerful force in contemporary cinema,' a third said.
However, some critics believed the film lacked action and was sometimes 'very slow'.
A review states: 'Decent story with a slow pace and an unsettling subtext that slowly creeps up on you until it unfolds into something sinister.'
Others said the storytelling wasn't quite worth the wait. They explained: 'Very slow movie. You keep waiting for something to happen.
'Interesting ending and story. I'm just not sure if it was worth sitting through.'