Jane Campion wrote and directed 'The Power of the Dog,' a 2021 Western psychological drama adapted from Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. The film, an international co-production, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, earning Campion the Silver Lion for Best Direction. It garnered widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, cinematography, score, and lead performances, becoming a highly regarded film of 2021. The movie received numerous accolades, including twelve nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, where Campion won Best Director, and multiple awards at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, and British Academy Film Awards. It has since been recognized as one of the best films of the 2020s and the 21st century.

The narrative unfolds in 1925 Montana, centering on the wealthy Burbank brothers, Phil and George. Their lives are disrupted when George marries Rose Gordon, an inn owner, much to the disdain of the abrasive Phil, who distrusts her motives and belittles her son, Peter. Rose's emotional fragility leads to alcoholism, exacerbated by Phil's taunting. The film explores the complex dynamics between Phil, Peter, and Rose, with Phil eventually forming a bond with Peter, teaching him ranch skills and sharing aspects of his past, including his mentorship by Bronco Henry. The story culminates in Phil's death from an infected wound, with the circumstances leaving room for interpretation.

Jane Campion began developing 'The Power of the Dog' in early 2017, inspired by Thomas Savage's 1967 novel. She secured the film rights after meeting with producer Roger Frappier at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, noting that the novel had been optioned multiple times without adaptation. Campion collaborated with author Annie Proulx on the script and visited Savage's Montana ranch to connect with his family and consult experts. Due to budget constraints, filming took place in New Zealand, with cinematographer Ari Wegner and production designer Grant Major finding a suitable location in Central Otago. The casting process involved Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons, among others. Cumberbatch prepared for his role as Phil Burbank by researching historical expeditions and working on a Montana cattle ranch, undertaking intensive training in horsemanship and ranching skills.

Principal photography for 'The Power of the Dog' commenced in New Zealand in January 2020, with locations in Central Otago, Dunedin, and Oamaru. Production faced a temporary halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in June after border exemptions were secured. Interior scenes were completed on sound stages in Auckland, concluding in July. Director of photography Ari Wegner utilized Arri Alexa LF cameras and Panavision Ultra Panatar anamorphic lenses, aiming for a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Campion specifically sought a female cinematographer, collaborating closely with Wegner, who had previously worked with her. Their preparation involved extensive storyboarding, drawing inspiration from Evelyn Cameron's photography, historical archives from Time magazine, Ken Burns's documentaries, and the works of artists Andrew Wyeth and Lucian Freud.

The film delves into themes of repressed desire, masculinity, and the complexities of familial relationships. Phil Burbank's character is depicted as a charismatic yet cruel figure, haunted by his past and his relationship with his deceased mentor, Bronco Henry. His intense disdain for Rose and his subtle, yet significant, interactions with her son Peter form a central dramatic arc. Peter, initially perceived as weak, reveals a quiet intelligence and agency, observing and ultimately influencing the events unfolding around him. The narrative explores the psychological impact of Phil's behavior on Rose, leading to her descent into alcoholism. The film's climax, involving Phil's illness and death, is presented with ambiguity, allowing for interpretation of Peter's role and the underlying motivations driving the characters' actions.