The internet has been buzzing of late over the finally released trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home. A big part of what people are talking about is the significant presence of Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange. While Strange will get his own new movie before too long, he's also going to be a big part of the new Spider-Man film this December. However, before fans get a chance to see him play the marvel hero, they're going to see him in a very different sort of role. The first trailer for Netflix's The Power of the Dog is here, and it's got Cumberbatch looking incredibly creepy, but with an incredible cast backing him up.
Exactly what The Power of the Dog is even about isn't exactly clear from the trailer, and while we do know what the story being told, the fact that the trailer is mostly just Benedict Cumberbatch whistling (The Jurassic Park theme?)and looking menacing gives the entire thing a mildly terrifying feel. Check out the trailer above to become suitably creeped out by Benedict Cumberbatch.
According to the plot synopsis from Netflix, The Power of the Dog will see Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank, a rancher who inspires fear and awe in those that know him. When Phil's brother brings home a new wife, and her son, Phil begins to torment them. The feeling of foreboding and terror is palpable in the trailer. It's unclear just why he feels the need to torment these people, but he seems to be doing a pretty good job of it.
The Power of the Dog will see a theatrical release in November before hitting Netflix December 1, and it seems likely that theatrical release is part of an awards season push. And with the names attached, that's no surprise. The Power of the Dog was written and directed by Jane Campion, who hasn't directed a feature film in over a decade, but previously won an Oscar for writing The Piano, and was nominated for another for directing it.
Joining Benedict Cumberbatch in front of the camera is Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, as well as Kodi Smit-McPhee as the son, an impressive young actor best known for playing Nightcrawler in the most recent batch of X-Men movies. And it has to be said Cumberbatch looks impressive here. While the actor certainly has played his share of bad guys in his career, these days he's known for playing Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange, people who are ultimately heroic, if flawed. Maybe, in the end, that's who this character will be, but he feels much darker than anything we've seen Cumberbatch play.
As a trailer The Power of the Dog is certainly doing its job here. It makes you want to see more and figure out just what's going on. We'll get a chance later later this year.
