Benedict Cumberbatch Navigates Profound Loss in “The Thing With Feathers”

Benedict Cumberbatch takes on a deeply emotional role in the new film The Thing With Feathers. The movie recently screened at the 69th BFI London Film Festival. It explores a family’s struggle with sudden, devastating grief.

Writer-director Dylan Southern adapted the story from Max Porter’s award-winning book. The narrative follows a father and his two young sons as they grapple with the loss of their wife and mother. A mysterious figure called Crow arrives to guide them through their pain.

An Unconventional Path to the Big Screen

Southern, known for music documentaries, took a major risk for this project. He optioned the book using his own money. This is a path most filmmakers are advised against, but his belief in the story was unwavering.

He initially never expected to secure an actor of Cumberbatch’s caliber. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Southern sent the script on a whim. He was shocked to receive a positive response from Cumberbatch’s company, SunnyMarch, within just two weeks. A meeting was quickly arranged.

A Supportive Collaboration Forged in Trust

The director’s nerves about his first narrative feature were quickly dispelled. He found Cumberbatch to be an incredibly supportive and collaborative partner. Their extensive pre-production conversations built a strong foundation for their working relationship.

This preparation was vital for the compressed six-week shoot. Southern admitted that during the first take, he was so captivated by Cumberbatch’s performance he forgot to call “cut.” This immersive dynamic helped translate the book’s complex emotional journey to the screen.

The film marks a significant shift for its director and a powerful showcase for its lead actor. The Thing With Feathers delivers a raw and moving portrait of a family learning to live again, solidifying Cumberbatch’s commitment to challenging and profound roles.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is “The Thing With Feathers” about?

The film follows a father, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his two sons. They are struggling to cope with the sudden death of their wife and mother. A mythical creature named Crow arrives to help them navigate their overwhelming grief.

Who directed the film?

The movie was written and directed by Dylan Southern. He is best known for his music documentaries like *Meet Me in the Bathroom*. This project is his first narrative feature film.

Where has the movie been shown?

The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. It also screened at the 69th BFI London Film Festival. These are major platforms for independent cinema.

How did Benedict Cumberbatch get involved?

Cumberbatch was already a fan of the original book. He received the script from Southern and agreed to a meeting shortly after. His company, SunnyMarch, quickly got onboard with the project.

What is Dylan Southern’s next project?

Southern is now working on a documentary about the Oasis reunion. He is also writing his next feature film, which he describes as a plot-driven, London-based thriller.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters, BFI