The Power of the Dog (2021) is a slow-burn psychological Western directed by Jane Campion, based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. Set in 1920s Montana, it explores masculinity, repressed emotions, and power dynamics through stunning cinematography, haunting performances, and an unsettling sense of quiet tension.
Detailed Summary
Opening: The Brothers and the Ranch
The story begins with two brothers, Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Jesse Plemons), wealthy ranchers who live together and manage their family’s estate. Phil is charismatic, intelligent, but also cruel and domineering. George, on the other hand, is gentle and reserved, often quietly enduring his brother’s ridicule.
The Widow and Her Son
While driving cattle through town, George meets Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst), a widow who runs a small restaurant with her sensitive, quiet son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). Phil mocks Peter for his effeminate mannerisms, calling him names and belittling him publicly. George, moved by Rose’s distress, begins to court her and soon marries her—an act that Phil takes as betrayal.
Tension at the Ranch
Rose moves into the Burbank home, but her happiness quickly erodes under Phil’s constant psychological torment. He humiliates her during dinners, mocks her attempts to play the piano, and keeps the atmosphere at the ranch oppressive. Rose’s dependence on alcohol grows, and George becomes increasingly concerned for her well-being.
Peter’s Return
Peter, who initially goes off to medical school, returns to the ranch during the summer. His calm and observant demeanor unnerves Phil, who begins to take a peculiar interest in him. Surprisingly, Phil softens toward Peter, offering to teach him how to braid rope from rawhide and sharing stories about his late mentor, Bronco Henry—a man he idolized deeply. Through these conversations, hints of Phil’s repressed sexuality and emotional vulnerability begin to surface.
The Bond Between Phil and Peter
The bond between Phil and Peter grows, or so it seems. Peter appears fascinated by Phil’s complexity, while Phil believes he’s mentoring the boy. They spend time together alone, making rope, tending cattle, and discussing life on the ranch. However, there’s something quietly calculating in Peter’s eyes. He notices a dead cow infected with anthrax and later watches Phil handle the animal’s hide without protection.
Movie Ending
In the climax, Phil becomes gravely ill after working with the infected rawhide while preparing a rope for Peter as a gift. He soon dies from anthrax poisoning. At the funeral, George is devastated, while Peter remains composed. Later, Peter carefully places the finished rope under his bed, wearing gloves to avoid contamination. He then looks out the window, watching George and Rose embrace, suggesting that his actions were deliberate.
Yes—Peter intentionally caused Phil’s death by giving him anthrax-tainted rawhide. His motivation? To protect his mother from Phil’s cruelty and to restore peace to their lives. The film’s title, The Power of the Dog, comes from a biblical passage about the destructive and redemptive forces of love, loyalty, and vengeance—echoing Peter’s calm yet ruthless act.
The final moments show Peter’s mix of relief and quiet reflection, leaving audiences questioning whether he’s a hero, a villain, or simply a survivor shaped by a harsh world.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Power of the Dog does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the film ends, the story is complete. There are no teases for sequels or hidden extras—just silence, fitting for such a contemplative film.
Type of Movie
A psychological Western drama exploring themes of repressed desire, toxic masculinity, and emotional manipulation, wrapped in a stunningly atmospheric and slow-burning narrative.
Cast
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank
- Kirsten Dunst as Rose Gordon
- Jesse Plemons as George Burbank
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter Gordon
- Thomasin McKenzie as Lola (brief role)
Film Music and Composer
The haunting and minimalist score was composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. His use of dissonant strings and unsettling rhythms perfectly complements the movie’s tension and psychological depth, mirroring Phil’s internal conflict and the film’s sense of isolation.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in New Zealand, primarily in Otago and Dunedin, which stood in for 1920s Montana. The sweeping plains, rugged hills, and dramatic skies add both authenticity and emotional weight. The vastness of the landscape mirrors the loneliness of the characters and the emptiness within Phil’s soul.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award for Best Director (Jane Campion) – Winner
- Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Cumberbatch), Best Supporting Actor (Smit-McPhee), Best Supporting Actress (Dunst), and Best Cinematography
- Won multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe awards for direction and score
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Benedict Cumberbatch stayed in character off-camera, insisting that his co-stars address him as “Phil” throughout filming.
- Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, who play a couple in the film, are married in real life.
- Jane Campion directed remotely during parts of production due to New Zealand’s COVID-19 restrictions.
- Cumberbatch refused to wash for weeks to better embody the rugged rancher lifestyle.
- Jonny Greenwood composed parts of the score using a cello treated to sound like a banjo, enhancing the Western sound with eerie undertones.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel, which itself was inspired by Savage’s real-life experiences growing up on a Montana ranch and dealing with issues of repressed sexuality and family tension. Campion remained loyal to the book’s tone but deepened the psychological perspective, giving it a more modern lens on masculinity and identity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No major alternate ending is known to exist, but deleted scenes reportedly explored more of Phil’s early life and his connection to Bronco Henry. These were removed to preserve the story’s mystery and ambiguity.
Book Adaptation and Differences
In the novel, certain motivations are more explicitly stated, especially regarding Peter’s calculated actions. The film, however, thrives on subtlety and ambiguity—allowing viewers to piece together clues rather than spelling everything out. The book also delves deeper into George’s background, which is more peripheral in the movie.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Phil mocking Peter’s paper flower at the restaurant.
- Rose struggling to play piano as Phil humiliates her by playing banjo in another room.
- Peter dissecting a rabbit—a subtle foreshadowing of his cold precision.
- Phil and Peter’s campfire bonding scene, filled with quiet tension.
- The chilling final reveal of Peter’s rope under his bed.
Iconic Quotes
- “Bronco Henry taught me everything I know.” – Phil
- “Not enough rope to hang yourself? That’s what you get for being kind.” – Phil
- “For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother? If I did not save her?” – Peter
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Bible verse “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog” (Psalm 22:20) gives the film its title and meaning.
- Peter’s surgical knowledge is subtly introduced early through his dissection hobby—a crucial detail for the ending.
- Bronco Henry’s saddle serves as a symbol of Phil’s suppressed identity and lost affection.
- The rope’s unfinished state mirrors Phil’s emotional incompleteness until his death.
Trivia
- Jane Campion became the first woman in history to be nominated twice for Best Director at the Oscars.
- The film was Netflix’s most critically acclaimed release of 2021.
- Benedict Cumberbatch reportedly learned to castrate bulls for the role—no CGI involved.
- The film’s crew used actual 1920s ranching tools and clothing sourced from Montana museums.
Why Watch?
Because The Power of the Dog is not your typical Western—it’s a psychological masterpiece wrapped in cowboy aesthetics. It’s quiet, eerie, and devastatingly beautiful. The performances are layered, the tension is suffocating, and the payoff is both shocking and deeply satisfying. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Piano (1993)
- Bright Star (2009)
- An Angel at My Table (1990)
- Holy Smoke! (1999)
