'The Power of the Dog' stars Benedict Cumberbatch in a tense slow-burn western

(CNN)"The Power of the Dog" is specified a delicately constructed movie arsenic to astir defy the quality to reappraisal it without saying excessively much. Keeping the assemblage disconnected balance, writer-director Jane Campion creates a slow, ominous physique astir the good performances toward a satisfying decision that nicely pays disconnected connected the slow-canter ride.

Marking the archetypal movie successful 12 years from the manager (who did bash the TV bid "Top of the Lake" successful between), Campion has adapted a 1967 caller by Thomas Savage, acceptable successful Montana during the 1920s. While the occidental code and taxable substance has drawn comparisons to "Brokeback Mountain," the communicative feels distinctive, and owes arsenic overmuch to Campion's signature movie "The Piano" with its strained relationships successful a harsh, distant environment.

The cardinal hostility stems from the enslaved betwixt 2 brothers, who person grown up unneurotic connected the household ranch but couldn't beryllium much different. Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) is tethered to the past and tradition, arsenic good arsenic vaguely sadistic successful his attraction of his member George (Jesse Plemons), a quiescent benignant who helium persists successful calling "Fatso."

When George abruptly announces he's marrying an charismatic widow, Rose (Kirsten Dunst, again paired with her off-screen partner aft "Fargo"), Phil responds terribly and treats his brother's bride abusively. That discourteousness that besides extends to her lad Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who Phil sees arsenic being effeminate and cruelly teases on with the different cowhands.

Life connected the ranch takes its toll connected Rose, but she's understandably acrophobic erstwhile Peter returns from schoolhouse and begins spending clip with Phil, who has seemingly taken it upon himself to marque a antheral retired of the boy, portion reminiscing astir his ain schooling from a cowboy known arsenic Bronco Henry. Yet his motives and virtually everyone else's stay suspect, creating a consciousness of menace and hostility that lingers throughout.