Script Review: 'The Power of the Dog'
- tim7604
- Dec 5, 2021
- 3 min read
The script for this movie, written and directed by the supremely talented Jane Campion...is bad. Quite bad actually. The film looks amazing, and everyone on screen is trying their hardest. But the script is bad. Let's explore why.
Without giving any spoilers, because I'm not that kinda guy - this is a movie set on a cattle ranch in Montana in 1925. The ranch is owned by 2 brothers - each very different from the other. I think the 'story' starts when one brother marries the widowed owner of the nearest town's restaurant, which upsets the other brother. Then when her college age son come to the ranch for the summer, more stuff happens.
If I sound vague, it's because there is very little story in here, and it's at least an hour before anything really develops. Which is a shame, because there are some lovely characters with some very detailed and nuanced character traits, very subtly revealed by Ms. Campion.
The script's problems are established early, and only get worse. Main characters - I'm talking above the title main - vanish completely for slabs of this script. Other main characters have almost nothing to do, apart from an oddly unearned yet suddenly convenient bout with alcoholism for Kirsten Dunst's character. (How does she get so many bottles of clearly labeled booze during prohibition in rural Montana???)
Her emotional journey starts looking like an actual journey then dissolves completely, to the point a fine actress is fawning over gloves and dropping to the ground like a silent film star. Her only real 'conflict' is with her husband's brother played by Benedict Cumberbatch - who at his most 'menacing', whistles and plays the banjo. The bastard. But even that vanishes like the snow in Montana that isn't there.
So many storylines were potentially started, then abandoned. The script keeps shifting, almost searching for an actual story to sink it's teeth into - which it finally does when the son 'Paul' arrives. I guess. But at that moment various character traits become exaggerated, the dramatic intensity lifts even higher with almost nothing in actual story or action to back it up. I mean - as soon as the dialogue clunkily reveals some of Benedict's character backstory, then makes a very unsubtle distinction between his 'public' persona and his 'private' interests - I mean come on now. And then his increasingly...let's go with 'friendly'...interactions with the young college boy are shot with intensity and feeling that do not match the script.
Imagine searing closeups, long pauses, lots of faraway looks into the distance as one person says 'I'm going to the supermarket, do you want anything?', and you get the idea. The visuals are dripping with anticipated tensions and dramatic possibilities the script never fully delivers.
This felt like a script waiting for it's ending. Which it clearly thinks is pretty cool, and worth hanging around for. So the glacial pace can be justified as 'nuanced'. The story holes are 'subtlety', and the lack of character depth - especially among every female character is...well I don't have a justification for that.
Thomasin McKenzie - the awesome star of 'JoJo Rabbit' is here too - and I'm not sure why. Great young actress, with a role reduced to such lines as 'I'll keep score' and 'Carrot?' Why is her character in this movie? What is she contributing to the overall story, character reveal, or even theme?
This script is a series of moments. Not a coherent feature film script. It is filled with beautiful vistas and imagery. But as a satisfying exploration of an aspect of the human condition, despite it's best intentions, this script fails badly. Adapting a book is never easy. But in times of trouble, maybe fall back on a sense of structure, or compelling/coherent emotional journeys, or at least an organic logic. There are scenes in this script that exist purely because the writer needs one character to learn something about another character, even if the manner of discovery is profoundly odd and a bit silly. And the overuse of cigarette rolling as some sort of device to convey various emotional states was...noticeable.
I love Jane Campion. She is a visionary director. And I truly hope the Production Designer and Director of Photography get Oscar nods. But this script does not do justice to the amazing cast and crew assembled, and as a result, 'The Power of the Dog' is frustrating, and disappointing.
- Tim Schildberger
'The Power of the Dog' is now available on Netflix and in select theatres.
This is a brilliant and brutally honest review. I completely agree with your point about the script feeling like a series of moments rather than a coherent feature film. It relied so heavily on atmospheric tension to hide major story holes and abandoned plotlines. It is a great reminder that when you construct something—whether it is a screenplay or a home improvement project—you need an organic logic and a proper structure. I recently had to focus on building a secure foundation for my own property by setting up reliable Security Cameras and upgrading to strong Door Locks. If the basic structure isn't solid, the whole thing falls flat, no matter how good the exterior looks. Fantastic analysis, thanks for sharing!
Insightful breakdown of The Power of the Dog script—really appreciated how you highlighted the subtle character tensions and slow-burn storytelling. The psychological layering reminded me of how balance and intensity can coexist, much like choosing between White Maeng Da Kratom capsules and Green Malay Kratom power depending on the experience you’re seeking. Great read!
Such an insightful review! I love how you break down the film’s themes and performances — it really helps readers understand why Power of the Dog resonates so deeply. It’s a great reminder that thoughtful storytelling stands the test of time, just like well-placed businesses in the digital world. For local creators and reviewers looking to expand their audience, tools like Get Listed Today in a reputable Local business directory can make a big difference in visibility and reach. Thanks again for sharing your perspective!
This was a compelling review that really captured the quiet intensity and psychological layering of The Power of the Dog. I appreciated how you highlighted the film’s restraint in dialogue and its reliance on visual storytelling, subtext, and performance nuance—especially in how power, masculinity, and vulnerability are communicated without overt exposition. Script-wise, it’s a strong case study in atmospheric tension and character-driven pacing.
Interestingly, the idea of visibility and representation you touched on in storytelling also resonates in the business world. Platforms such as free business listing for black owned business and Business directory submission for black owned business play a similar role in ensuring underrepresented voices and enterprises are discoverable and supported. Whether in film narratives or entrepreneurial ecosystems,…
Really insightful breakdown of The Power of the Dog script—your analysis of character tension and subtext was especially compelling. I appreciated how you highlighted the psychological layering and restraint in the dialogue; it mirrors the slow-burn emotional damage unfolding beneath the surface.
Interestingly, that idea of “hidden strain beneath a composed exterior” reminds me of how personal care works too—issues often start at the root before they’re visible. Prioritizing a proper scalp treatment can make all the difference in long-term hair health, just like addressing core motivations strengthens storytelling. Pairing that with a consistent Hair Repair Treatment helps restore strength and resilience over time—much like the film’s gradual emotional unmasking.
Thanks for such a thoughtful review—looking forward to reading more of…