There's a Reason the Oscar-Nominated Movie Title 'Power of the Dog' Sounds Familiar

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At the upcoming 94th Academy Awards, the Benedict Cumberbatch-led drama The Power of the Dog is nominated for an astonishing 12 Oscars. Among the dozen categories the Western psychological film is in the running for, the most notable ones include Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

What's more, several Power of the Dog cast members received individual nominations. Benedict is up for Best Actor. Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee both have nods for Best Support Actor. Kirsten Dunst is a Best Supporting Actress nominee.

The Power of the Dog follows rancher Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) who lives a different kind of life than his brother, George (Jesse Plemons). Tensions quickly rise when George falls in love and marries Rose (Kirsten Dunst). With her by his side, he returns home alongside his new stepson, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee). But Phil makes it perfectly clear he doesn't want Rose nor Peter there and he tries his best to drive them away. It all comes to a head when Peter realizes the only way he can see his mother happy is by resolving the interpersonal conflict himself.

Written and directed by Jane Campion, the title was inspired by the Bible verse Psalm 22:20, which reads: “Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.” Viewers will inevitably start to think about their own relationship with love, sexuality and family.

Where to watch and stream The Power of the Dog:

The Power of the Dog is now available to stream for all Netflix subscribers.

Whether you want to watch on your laptop via the Netflix site or on your favorite mobile device, The Power of the Dog is just one click away. If you don't have access to Netflix yet, you can sign up for a basic plan for $9.99 per month. Though the streaming service doesn't offer free trials anymore, you can cancel anytime. Plus, the Netflix library expands regularly with new shows and movies.

But in case you were hoping to watch the flick on the big screen, The Power of the Dog is also being shown in select theaters.

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