The Power of the Dog

Directed by Jane Campion (2021)

I found this movie on a list of "Oscar-Worthy Movies of 2021", and I have to say I can see why. Certain aspects just scream Oscar bait; long cinematic shots of scenery,  intense monologues and closeups of dramatic facial expressions. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers as a psychopathic rancher man, and Kirsten Dunst looks like shes crying for most of the film. For once Jesse Plemons doesn't play a sociopath - in fact I was disappointed in how little screen time he received. The movie is slow and after many scenes I questioned what just happened, but the acting is great and Cumberbatch's character creates tension like crazy. Slight spoilers ahead. The character of the boy, on hindsight, is much more calculating and evil than I thought at first. He is just way smarter than anyone else on the ranch and plays Cumberbatch right into his demise. I think this movie had some great moments and the idea was cool, but the execution was a bit boring in the end. 

Although it is a good movie, there are many more I'd recommend before Power of the Dog came up.

(12/26/21)