ComScore

This Benedict Cumberbatch Western Is the New #1 Movie on Netflix (And We Predict an Oscar Nod)

There's a new flick dominating the Netflix charts right now and it's the Benedict Cumberbatch-starring Western, The Power of the Dog.

Directed by Jane Campion (who is one of only seven women to have ever been nominated for the Best Director Oscar), the movie sees Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank, a rancher who works alongside his brother, George (Jesse Plemons). When George meets a woman named Rose (Kirsten Dunst), the pair quickly become married and she moves onto the ranch, much to the annoyance of Phil. Yet, while Phil intimidates all those who meet him, he finds that there may be a softer side to himself he's never explored.

The Power of the Dog was released to Netflix just a few days ago, and it's already reached the number-one spot on the site's list of top movies in the U.S. It's currently sitting above other recent releases like Single All the Way and Red Notice.

While The Power of the Dog is clearly a hit with Netflix users, it has also been getting rave reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has an almost-perfect score of 96, and the consensus says, “Brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog reaffirms writer-director Jane Campion as one of her generation's finest filmmakers.” With reception like that, we have a feeling this movie will get some recognition at the Oscars.

Along with the stellar leading cast members, The Power of the Dog also stars Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon, Keith Carradine, Frances Conroy, Peter Carroll and Alison Bruce. The story is based off of the 1967 book of the same name, written by Thomas Savage. Along with directing the film, Campion also penned the adapted screenplay.

We will definitely be adding this to our list.

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calfee

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Joel is the former Associate Editor for News & Entertainment and has been reporting on all things pop culture for over 5 years. Before working at PureWow, he served as a Features Editor at ROCKET Magazine. When he's not dissecting the latest trends in entertainment (or guiding you on what to watch), he covers all the hottest red carpet looks and fashion movements. When he steps away from the keyboard, you can likely find him at an NYC concert, thrift store or LGBTQ+ bookstore happily perusing the shelves.

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