The Power of the Dog

The Power of the Dog

Year: 2021

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: Jane Campion

Drama

In 1925 Montana, Phil Burbank is a charismatic and intimidating rancher who enjoys dominating those around him with his hyper-masculine persona. The arrival of Rose Gordon and her teenage son Peter disrupts the established order on the ranch. Phil takes a particular interest in Peter, exerting a psychological influence that challenges the boy’s confidence and tests the stability of Rose's fragile existence. As tensions escalate, the underlying complexities of Phil’s character are revealed, blurring the lines between cruelty and vulnerability.

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Timeline & Setting – The Power of the Dog (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Power of the Dog (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1925

The year 1925 was a time of change in America, marked by economic prosperity following World War I. It was also a period of social evolution, where traditional gender roles began to face scrutiny, and tensions rose in rural communities. The story reflects this transformative era, highlighting the clash between old values and emerging identities.

Location

Montana

Montana is known for its vast, rugged expanses and stunning natural beauty. The state's ranchlands are iconic, characterized by rolling hills and open skies, providing an ideal backdrop for the American West's historical cattle ranching culture. It represents both wealth and isolation, particularly for the characters navigating personal and social conflict.

🌾 Ranch 🏞️ Landscape

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – The Power of the Dog (2021)

Meet the key characters of The Power of the Dog (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Phil Burbank is a wealthy, rugged ranch owner whose harsh demeanor masks deep insecurities and vulnerabilities. Influenced by his late mentor Bronco Henry, he embodies traditional masculinity intertwined with cruelty, particularly towards those he perceives as weak. His character encapsulates the complexities of masculinity in a changing world.

🏇 Rancher 💪 Masculinity

Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst)

Rose Gordon is a widow and innkeeper who becomes entangled in the Burbank brothers' lives. Her initial warmth and gentleness are overshadowed by Phil's viciousness, leading her down a path of despair and alcoholism. Rose represents the struggles of women in navigating male-dominated spaces, depicting both vulnerability and resilience.

👩‍👦 Mother 🍷 Alcoholism

Peter Gordon (Kodi Smit-McPhee)

Peter Gordon is the sensitive and intelligent son of Rose who initially seems delicate and out of place in the harsh world of ranching. His morbid curiosity and eventual assertiveness reveal hidden depths, suggesting that he is much stronger than he appears. Peter's evolution drives the narrative forward, representing the clash between innocence and survival instincts.

🔍 Intellect 🐾 Curiosity

George Burbank (Jesse Plemons)

George Burbank, Phil’s brother, is characterized by his gentleness and mediating nature. His affection for Rose juxtaposes Phil's brutality, illustrating the conflict between warmth and coldness. George represents the struggle to balance familial loyalty with the need to create a supportive environment for his wife.

💞 Caring 🌾 Ranch Owner

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – The Power of the Dog (2021)

Explore the central themes of The Power of the Dog (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Isolation

Isolation permeates the lives of the characters, as evidenced by Rose's struggles with alcoholism and Peter's retreat into solitude. Phil’s cruelty and the vast Montana landscape enhance the sense of emotional distance between the characters, underscoring how isolation can lead to destructive behaviors. The theme highlights the profound impact of loneliness and disconnection.

⚔️ Power Struggle

The film embodies a power struggle, primarily between Phil and the other characters. Phil's domineering personality and resentment towards Rose challenge her efforts to carve out a space for herself and Peter within the ranch. Peter's eventual manipulation of circumstances reveals a shift in power dynamics, adding layers of tension and intrigue to their relationships.

🦋 Transformation

Transformation is a recurring theme, illustrated through Peter's evolution from a timid boy to someone who takes decisive action. Phil's character also experiences a complex transformation as he forms an unexpected bond with Peter, revealing the intricacies of human connection. The story ultimately suggests that transformation can arise from both kindness and cruelty.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Unlock the Full Story of The Power of the Dog

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Power of the Dog in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Power of the Dog is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Power of the Dog Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Power of the Dog, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Power of the Dog Summary

The Power of the Dog Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Power of the Dog with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Power of the Dog Timeline

The Power of the Dog Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Power of the Dog? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Power of the Dog Ending Explained

More About The Power of the Dog

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More About The Power of the Dog

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