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 – The Power of the Dog (2021)

Trace every key event in The Power of the Dog (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Cattle Drive Encounter

In 1925 Montana, during a cattle drive, wealthy ranch owner brothers Phil and George Burbank meet widow and innkeeper Rose Gordon. George is immediately taken by Rose, while Phil reacts coldly, influenced by his late mentor Bronco Henry.

1925 Montana
2

George and Rose's Marriage

George Burbank and Rose Gordon marry soon after their initial meeting. While George is kind and supportive, Phil's malevolence grows, and he begins to persecute Rose and her son, Peter, for their perceived weaknesses.

3

Phil's Cruelty

Phil mocks Peter for his lisp and effeminate demeanor, which only serves to heighten the tension between them. This cruelty exacerbates Peter's feelings of isolation and distress within the ranch.

Burbank Ranch
4

Evening Gathering

George hosts an evening event to introduce Rose to family and local dignitaries. Pressured to showcase her piano skills, Rose performs poorly, during which Phil derisively interrupts, deepening Rose's feelings of inadequacy.

Burbank Ranch
5

Rose's Alcoholism Begins

After the humiliating gathering, Rose succumbs to the stress by drinking, despite having previously rejected alcohol. Her newfound vice worsens her relationship with Phil and deepens her distress.

6

Peter's Isolation

As summer break begins, Peter arrives to find his mother struggling with alcoholism. To cope, he isolates himself and immerses in studying animals and diseases, distancing himself from Phil's incessant torment.

Summer Break
7

Peter Discovering Phil's Secrets

While wandering a secluded area, Peter stumbles upon Phil with a handkerchief belonging to Bronco Henry. This incident, along with discovering magazines depicting nude men, complicates Peter's understanding of Phil.

Secluded Area
8

Phil's Unexpected Kindness

Phil begins showing unexpected kindness to Peter, taking him horseback riding and teaching him how to craft lariats. Their bond grows stronger as they connect over shared activities.

Burbank Ranch
9

Rose's Defiance

In a moment of defiance against Phil's treatment of cattle, Rose gifts hides to local Indigenous traders. This act is compounded by her increasing alcoholism and leads her to collapse later due to drinking.

10

Bonding Over Crafting

As Peter offers the cattle hide he cut, he and Phil bond over crafting a lasso. This shared moment reflects their growing relationship, though undercurrents of tension regarding Peter's familial situation linger.

Barn
11

Phil's Deteriorating Health

The next morning, Phil is discovered bedridden with an infected hand, signaling his deteriorating health. His frantic call for Peter to deliver the lasso reveals his need for connection, despite newfound vulnerabilities.

12

Phil's Funeral

Following Phil's passing from anthrax, George must select a coffin, grappling with the loss of his brother. Phil's reputation of avoiding sick cattle makes his death even more bewildering to George.

13

Peter's Sinister Reflection

Skipping the funeral, Peter reflects on the events by reading Psalm 22:20. He places a completed lasso under his bed, suggesting a dark revelation about his intentions towards Phil, likely due to his protective feelings for Rose.

14

Final Confrontation

The narrative reaches its culmination as George embraces a sober Rose post-funeral. Meanwhile, Peter's sinister smile hints at a deeper, darker plan, as he ensures Phil's demise to safeguard his mother's well-being.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:24

Unlock the Full Story of The Power of the Dog

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The Power of the Dog Summary

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The Power of the Dog Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Power of the Dog

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Power of the Dog

The Power of the Dog Ending Explained

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The Power of the Dog Ending Explained

More About The Power of the Dog

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