Movie review
October 25, 2021 · 127 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The Power of the Dog is a 2021 psychological Western drama written and directed by Jane Campion, adapted from Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. Set in 1925 Montana, it centers on domineering rancher Phil Burbank who intimidates his brother George's new wife Rose and her teenage son Peter until hidden secrets about family power and personal repression surface. The narrative places strong emphasis on toxic masculinity, repressed homosexuality, and the damage of rigid gender expectations through character psychology and symbolic storytelling rather than direct speeches. These themes are audience-visible in the central conflict, the effeminate son's role, and the twist ending that reframes traditional Western manhood.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Power of the Dog.
Woke representation / casting
All-white cast perfectly matches 1925 Montana ranch setting and character logic. No audience-visible diversity quotas, race/gender swaps, or identity signaling in casting decisions.
Woke political dialogue
Sparse, naturalistic dialogue focuses on family tension and personal remarks about strength or weakness. No extended modern activist speeches, DEI language, or overt political monologues.
Identity-driven story themes
Core narrative revolves around Phil's repressed homosexuality clashing with hyper-masculine ranch life and the sensitive son's discovery of secrets. Queer repression and gender-norm conflict are central, audience-visible drivers of plot and twist, with elevated weight for prominent LGBTQ+ elements.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Portrays traditional cowboy masculinity, male authority, and patriarchal family structures as corrosive and rooted in emotional repression and intimidation. Frames rigid gender roles and "toxic" male posturing as damaging, aligning with modern activist critiques of patriarchy and masculinity norms.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. Faithful adaptation of the 1967 novel's existing themes with no ideological alterations to source material or historical figures.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Sam Elliott's high-profile criticism and conservative commentary framed the film as Hollywood pushing anti-masculinity ideology and deconstructing authentic Western manhood through outsider progressive lens. Jane Campion's response further highlighted the cultural divide. Backlash exists but remains niche rather than dominant public rejection.
Creator track record context
Led by Jane Campion's established pattern of feminist storytelling, patriarchy critique, and gender-dynamics focus across her filmography. Other key creatives show minimal or no such patterns; Thomas Savage's historical literary work on masculinity adds context but no modern activism.
Production
