Former ‘Sherlock’ turns cowboy in ‘Power of the Dog’

Above: Benedict Cumberbatch stars in "The Power of the Dog," which is screening at the Magic Lantern Theatre. (Photo/Odeon)

Movies typically open on Fridays. But for some reason, the Magic Lantern Theatre is opening the film “The Power of the Dog” today. (Note: The film is also available through Netflix.)

“The Power of the Dog” stars English actor Benedict Cumberbatch as a recalcitrant American cowboy. Directed by Jane Campion, and adapted from the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage, the movie is attracting a number of positive reviews.

Dana Stevens of Slate wrote, “Through it all, Campion remains in masterful control of the film's obscurely menacing mood, and of every aspect of its craft.”

Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post wrote, “Once again demonstrating her own strong, clear vision – not to mention superb control of her craft – Campion proves her ability to illuminate hidden truths and let us see what was hiding in plain sight all along.”

David Sims of The Atlantic wrote, “Campion understands the genre she's working in, setting the roiling emotions of her characters against the striking landscapes; Cumberbatch's performance is as immense as the peaks and valleys around him.”

It should be interesting to see the former “Sherlock” star portraying a Montana cowpoke – even if the film was shot in New Zealand.