The Masterful and Divisive “The Power of the Dog”: An Analysis
Critically adored from its very first screenings, Jane Campion’s psychologically complex Western now leads this year’s Academy Awards field with an impressive 12 nominations. As more viewers discover it, discussions about its dark themes, provocative ending, and unabashed queerness are growing. Here’s my take.
[Author’s Note: This article is an analysis of a recently released film and is filled with spoilers, including a detailed discussion of the film’s ending. If you have not seen the film, I strongly encourage you to bookmark this article and return to it after you have.]
Few films in recent years have surprised me, compelled me, or provoked as much reflection in me as The Power of the Dog.
Based on the acclaimed 1967 novel by Thomas Savage and directed and written for the screen by Jane Campion (the acclaimed director best known for the 1993 masterpiece The Piano), the film tells a fascinating and harrowing story of masculinity, internalized homophobia, unprocessed grief, loneliness, and fierce devotion.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival last September and received a limited release in U.S. movie theaters prior to premiering on Netflix on December 1. The film has received near universal praise from critics, as evidenced by its 94% approval…
