This is one of those films that grabs you by the throat, or the chin, and refuses to let go until the credits roll.
It follows the book that it's based on, by Thomas Savage, very closely. Though it may look like a simple story - an angry rancher who torments his brother's new wife and son when they come to live with him - it's much more complicated and fascinating than that.
Phil Burbank is a toxic man's man and loves to show it off: easily offended, filthy, hands on, cruel, homophobic, suspicious and a bachelor. But as the story moves on, a different side to him is shown: one of raw vulnerability, loneliness, deep self-hatred and alienation.
He is someone who is brilliant at ranching and loves the lifestyle. But the exact thing he loves prevents him from being who he is: a gay man. Which is a big no-no in this time and place.
At first he sees Peter, his new nephew, as a weakling deserving of mockery and taunts. But when he sees that not only is the boy highly intelligent, but also immune to his cow hands's insults, he takes a shine to him and begins to show him the ropes of the ranch's lifestyle.
As this is a Jane Campion film, don't expect a happy conclusion or a happy feeling when going into this film. It's rough, gritty, gut-wrenching and has non stop tension throughout. There were a few funny moments, such as Phil's brother George's inability to string two words together at times, or Phil's deliberate lack of social skills, but they come sparingly.
George, despite being the kind one, is not without flaws (none of the main characters are). He is completely clueless to his wife's sufferings and how she would feel being at the ranch all day, away from her life in the inn, and being tormented by her brother in law. The Burbank ranch is not exactly a place for a woman. It's certainly not a place for a woman like Rose, who is easily brought to tears and insecure, and even less so (or so it seems) a boy like Peter. So she turns into an alcoholic, giving Phil a reason to turn George and Peter against her.
To say this is an intense watch is an understatement. The shots of New Zealand, posing as Montana, and Johnny Greenwood's score is overpowering and completely breathtaking.
But it's Benedict Cumberbatch who steals the show, committing full on to the complex and difficult role and capturing all the little nuances of the character with a delicate precision. I always knew he was one of the absolute greats of actors. I'm just incredibly happy so many more people can see it now.
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