Oscars Check-In: ‘The Power of the Dog’ Demonstrates Filmmaking Mastery on Every Level

The film that receives the most Oscar nominations in any given year is always worth seeing, but The Power of the Dog breaks records for more than this ceremony. Up for twelve awards, it has more Oscar nominations than any other woman-directed film yet. From a quality standpoint, the film deserves nominations on every level - the direction, screenplay, cinematography, and acting are all top-notch. The Power of the Dog marks a new highlight for streaming exclusive content.

In early-1900s Montana, an intimidating rancher’s way of life is interrupted when his brother decides to marry a widowed mother. The rancher’s character slowly reveals while he terrorizes this intruding woman and her non-masculine son.

• Benedict Cumberbatch - Phil Burbank

• Jesse Plemons - George Burbank

• Kirsten Dunst - Rose Gordon

• Kodi Smit-McPhee - Peter Gordon

• Best Picture

• Best Director (Jane Campion)

• Best Adapted Screenplay (Novel by Thomas Savage)

• Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch)

• Best Supporting Actor (Jesse Plemons)

• Best Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee)

• Best Supporting Actress (Kirsten Dunst)

• Best Cinematography (Ari Wegner)

• Best Editing (Peter Sciberras)

• Best Original Score (Johnny Greenwood)

• Best Sound

• Best Production Design

The Power of the Dog is a long and slow film with a potent methodology to its pacing and characterization of Cumberbatch’s lead role. The shape of his character arc transcends any individual description of toxic masculinity or humanizing; the frustration for some viewers will be that his story unveils in a less-than-traditional pathway. Phil does not change as a person, so instead, we see new facets of his identity that make us understand or further contemplate his actions and views of the world. The Power of the Dog is a daring character portrait that becomes more intricate with each passing minute, so those willing to hold on will likely not feel disappointed.

The Power of the Dog is available exclusively on Netflix, so try to watch it before the Oscars ceremony on March 27th!