Netflix is pulling an Oscar-winning Netflix Original — but not for everyone

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The Power of the Dog is leaving in the UK

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in The Power of the Dog
(Image credit: NETFLIX)

Netflix is about to lose one of its most prestigious Netflix Original films (and one of the best Netflix movies): The Power of the Dog. The Benedict Cumberbatch-led film from Jane Campion won't be leaving our market in the U.S., though.

Instead, The Power of the Dog is leaving Netflix in the UK on August 19th, giving our friends across the pond 16 or so days to watch (or rewatch the film). This will come as a surprise to many considering how Netflix Originals (and most exclusive shows and movies) rarely leave their service of origin — except for the recent wave that Warner Bros. Discovery started on Max (then HBO Max) last year.

Previously, Netflix only pulled this kind of move once, erasing Hemlock Grove, one of its earliest originals, last October. That decision, and those from WBD, were seen as a way to re-align the balance books, and stop paying costs such as residuals. 

That's because The Power of the Dog — in the UK — could simply be reverting to one of its co-producers, the BBC. That's just a hypothetical at this point, but it makes sense considering how it's only disappearing in Netflix UK and the BBC being located there.

Analysis: Don't expect stability in streaming

All of the above, though, only highlights how streaming service subscriptions are far from a guarantee to eternal access. Just like how customers can cancel their Netflix whenever they feel like it, contracts terminate all the time.

This is part of why yours truly collects optical media, to have a permanent library of the titles I truly care about. Similarly, you can own The Power of the Dog in 4K with the Criterion Collection.

For now, though, Americans and others can feel some safety with regards to this film since it's not on the list of movies leaving U.S. Netflix any time soon. 

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Henry T. Casey
Henry T. Casey

Henry was a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.