It’s almost been five years to the day since Benedict Cumberbatch’s acclaimed drama The Power of the Dog made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, so now seems like a good a time as any to give it a (re)watch.
The plot follows Cumberbatch as cantankerous ranch owner Phil Burbank, who has a strong dislike for his brother’s wife and her effeminate son. However, a shocking discovery leads to a surprising friendship… or does it?
The film comes from Australian director Jane Campion, known for The Piano and Holy Smoke!, who won an Oscar for her work here.
Netflix
Who stars in The Power of the Dog?
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank
- Kirsten Dunst as Rose
- Jesse Plemons as George Burbank
- Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter
- Thomasin McKenzie as Lola
- Genevieve Lemon as Mrs Lewis
- Keith Carradine as Governor Edward
- Frances Conroy as Old Lady Burbank
Netflix
What did critics say about The Power of the Dog?
The Power of the Dog is an absolute critical darling. It was nominated for a whopping 12 Oscars (although Campion’s Best Director prize was its only win) and has a very strong 94% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s been hailed as a “masterpiece” by multiple outlets, including Them and Far Out magazine, while Empire wrote that “Cumberbatch is at his peak” and Campion “summons the mood from a story like no other”.
“It’s a slow build, and for most of the time, I had no idea where this was all heading,” wrote Buzzfeed News, “which only made its shocking but well-earned ending all the more gratifying.”
In June 2025, IndieWire published a list of its 100 best films of the decade so far, and ranked the film in 14th place. It stated that the film has “razor-fanged pleasures” and “exudes a tremblingly quiet strength”.
Netflix
Where can I stream The Power of the Dog?
The film is a Netflix exclusive, so that’s the only place you’re able to watch it. It’s not available for digital purchase or renting.
However, the film was released on Blu-ray and 4K disc by The Criterion Collection.
Other Benedict Cumberbatch movies to stream now
Given he’s one of the most prolific actors around, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Benedict Cumberbatch films.
The Roses is an extremely dark comedy which sees him go toe-to-toe with Olivia Colman and is available on Disney+, while Wes Anderson’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is available to stream on Netflix.
In terms of blockbusters, The Hobbit trilogy is on Netflix but leaving soon, though it’s also available on MGM+. All of Cumberbatch’s Marvel Cinematic Universe movies are available on Disney+, too.
The Power of the Dog is available to stream on Netflix.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Ariana Grande, is here! Buy Ariana Grande in newsagents or online.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish.