The Power of the Dog is a 2021 western drama written and directed by Jane Campion, based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. Campion, a New Zealand native which is where filming took place, was the second female to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Director category for her film, The Piano (1993). The Power of the Dog had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 2nd, 2021, where it was very well received.
In early 20th-century Montana, a sadistic ranch owner launches a campaign against a young widow when she unexpectedly marries his brother and comes to live on the ranch.
The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon, Keith Carradine, and Frances Conroy.
The Power of the Dog is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 17th for awards consideration, prior to a streaming release on Netflix on December 1st. Watch the official trailer below.