Road to Oscars: Power of the Dog
Added 2022-03-23 14:58:56 +0000 UTCI am completely enraptured by this film. It’s rare that you would use the words “thrilling” and “meditative” in the same review, but that’s exactly duality that Power of the Dog is able to strike. There was never a moment in this film where I anticipated what would happen next, yet the cold suspense of its atmosphere did not stop me from feeling tenderly towards the characters. The actors - particularly Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, convey such a complex array of emotions in the most subtle of ways - it was truly amazing to watch. Phil, played by Cumberbatch, is one of the most fascinating antagonists I’ve watched in a long time. Pitiable, terrifying, empathetic, and dogmatic - he represents all the contradictions that hyper-masculinity poses to men. This film has a very heavy atmosphere, but there are small moments of levity that keep it flowing ceaselessly. Campion has brought a fresh perspective to the neo-Western (a genre that I am particularly fond of) - and done so with a very conspicuous absence of guns! With its ominous score, potent symbolism, and perplexing twists, Power of the Dog is stellar filmmaking from start to finish. I've already added it to my Favourites list.
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Hey everyone! This is the first short (spoiler free) review I have written for the Oscars' Best Picture nominees! I hope to upload one for every film before March 27th - as well as a video of Hannah and I ranking our top picks and predictions (for the two higher tiers!)
