Jane Campion is back with her first feature in over a decade. She’s following up 2009 Abbie Cornish-starrer “Bright Star” with “The Power of the Dog,” a Netflix Western set to make its world premiere at Venice Film Festival next week. An atmospheric teaser just landed for the highly anticipated title.
Sparse on plot details but filled with tension, the spot sees “Fargo” co-stars and real-life couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons playing newlyweds. Rose (Dunst), a widow, and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) move to the ranch George (Plemons) runs with his brother Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch), a magnetic personality who’s described as inspiring “fear and awe in those around him.” Shifting family dynamics cause the brothers’ relationship to take a turn.
“He’s just a man,” Rose tells her son. “Only another man.” But Phil seems intent on making life hell for his in-law and her family.
Campion most recently worked on “Top of the Lake,” an Emmy-winning BBC Two/Sundance Channel murder mystery series led by Elisabeth Moss. She is one of seven women to ever receive a Best Director nod at the Oscars. She was recognized for “The Piano,” which she won Best Original Screenplay for. With “The Piano,” Campion became the first woman director to take home Cannes Film Festival’s most prestigious prize, the Palme d’Or. Julia Ducournau followed in Campion’s footsteps: her second feature, “Titane,” won the Palme d’Or at this year’s fest.
“Holy Smoke” and “Sweetie” are among Campion’s other features.
“The Power of the Dog” debuts at Venice on September 2 and will make its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival September 10. The drama is slated to hit select theaters November 17 and Netflix December 1.