Tripp Mills

I was eager to watch The Power of the Dog because I love many of Jane Campions films, and the themes of toxic masculinity and homophobia intrigued me. I knew the story somewhat and felt she did an amazing job cinematically, creating that desolate, haunted world of the open range. Strong characters, slow but determined pacing up to the final reveal was well executed. A slow burn of impeding tragedy. It’s a really good western drama. The Power of the Dog won’t appeal to moviegoers expecting an action packed western, or anyone who wants the pacing of an MCU film. This ain’t that film. It’s a stylistic film, a kind of storytelling that is artistic and what many filmmakers strive for; cinematic storytelling that is reminiscent of films made in the 1960s and 1970s. Long wide shots that take us to a world that is totally foreign. There’s no need for dialogue because the storytelling is there in the actors faces portraying tensions and longing. I found them all well cast and see Oscar noms in the future. I don’t care that it was shot in New Zealand posing as Montana. The cinematography works. My one criticism was the music. I suppose it added to the tension but I found it disconnected. Not sure what it would have been otherwise-not sweeping, but something I would have changed is the music. That’s totally subjective and so is watching movies! 3 1/2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️✨