“You Can’t Look Away”: The Visually Breathtaking Netflix Western Movie Film Enthusiasts Are Binge-Watching Right Now.
A Netflix Western is being celebrated as a ‘masterpiece’ by both fans and critics, who simply cannot contain their enthusiasm for the film’s brilliance.
Frequently compared to Brokeback Mountain within the Western genre, the highly acclaimed film is readily available to stream on Netflix.
Article continues below
Despite causing quite a stir upon its initial release, The Power of the Dog remains somewhat underappreciated within the Western genre.
This 2021 psychological Western drama was written and directed by Jane Campion, who claimed the Best Director Oscar for her work, alongside an impressive 12 Academy Award nominations — the most of any film that year.
Campion also secured the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the Venice Film Festival, where the film made its world premiere in 2021, reports the Express.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Adapted from Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same name, The Power of the Dog features British A-lister Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role, supported by Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Set in rural Montana in 1925, the film was predominantly shot in New Zealand’s Otago region. It stands as a joint international co-production between the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.
Following a limited theatrical run in November 2021, the film became available on Netflix globally on December 1, 2021, subsequently garnering widespread critical acclaim and even being dubbed the ‘best film of the year’.
Article continues below
The film’s official synopsis reads: “The year is 1925. The Burbank brothers are wealthy ranchers in Montana. At the Red Mill restaurant on their way to market, the brothers meet Rose, the widowed proprietress, and her impressionable son Peter. Phil behaves so cruelly he drives them both to tears, reveling in their hurt and rousing his fellow cowhands to laughter – all except his brother George, who comforts Rose then returns to marry her.
“As Phil swings between fury and cunning, his taunting of Rose takes an eerie form – he hovers at the edges of her vision, whistling a tune she can no longer play. His mockery of her son is more overt, amplified by the cheering of Phil’s cowhand disciples. Then Phil appears to take the boy under his wing. Is this latest gesture a softening that leaves Phil exposed, or a plot twisting further into menace?”
Article continues below
With an impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this compelling Western has left a lasting impression on viewers, though it remains somewhat underappreciated within the genre.
The film has garnered widespread critical acclaim, with one reviewer describing it as Cumberbatch’s finest work to date: “Much has already been said about Jane Campion’s western masterpiece, and for good reason. It is indeed truly great. Benedict Cumberbatch gives a career best performance.”
One reviewer lauded the film, its director and lead actor: “The Power of the Dog is meticulously crafted and wonderfully executed. …Campions film is both resplendent and morose. The Power of the Dog is a towering achievement, and the finest work of both Campion and Cumberbatchs careers.”
Article continues below
Another impressed critic writes: “Power of the Dog is an excellent film that you must see,” while one describes it as, “The Power of the Dog is essential viewing for cinema fans, a brilliant example of a non-Western Western.”
One reviewer expressed a compelling urge to revisit the film: “When The Power of the Dog ends, there is an immense desire to immediately start it from the beginning to see the puzzle pieces that were laid out for the audience. To appreciate the movie in a new way, from a bird’s-eye view, knowing how it ends.”
Article continues below
Audience reviews echoed the positive sentiment, with one IMDB user review stating: “Is “The Power of the dog” the best movie I’ve seen in years? Yes, it is! The film is a mesmerizing mix of absolutely brilliant acting, a fantastic script, carefully unfolding all the layers, and beautiful photography. Jane Campion created an Oscar contender which simply can not be overlooked.
“The story and characters crawl under the skin of the viewer and leave you thinking about the story even 24 hours after you finished this masterpiece. Is it slow? Yes it is. Campion and her cast take their time to unfold all the layers, but man….what a not to be missed treat this one is. Do watch and enjoy sheer craftsmanship with a ton of emotions!”
Meanwhile, one viewer’s review on Rotten Tomatoes says: “The Power of the Dog is a slow-burning masterpiece of tension and repression. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-best performance as the menacing yet vulnerable rancher Phil Burbank, while Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee shine in this haunting psychological drama. Director Jane Campion crafts a visually stunning, emotionally devastating film that lingers long after the credits roll.”
