Benedict Cumberbatch returns to the Sundance Film Festival with an emotionally charged performance in the new drama The Thing with Feathers. This film is an adaptation of Max Porter’s acclaimed novel, Grief Is The Thing with Feathers, which has captivated both Cumberbatch and director Dylan Southern. Southern dedicated nearly ten years to adapting the book for the screen. He secured the rights with Porter’s blessing, eventually sharing his script with Cumberbatch, who was already a fan of the source material.
In The Thing with Feathers, Cumberbatch portrays a graphic novelist grappling with the sudden loss of his wife, who was also the mother of his two sons. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Richard and Henry Boxall, Eric Lampaert, and David Thewlis, known for his role in The Sandman>, along with Vinette Robinson from The Lazarus Project and Sam Spruell from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Distinct Narratives: Eric & The Thing With Feathers
Cumberbatch Applauds Porter’s “Startling Original Novel”
Cumberbatch acknowledges the potential for comparisons between The Thing with Feathers and his Netflix thriller series Eric, as both stories feature fathers whose creative work surfaces amid personal trauma. However, he asserts that the two narratives showcase “very different cultures”and “very different people”:
Benedict Cumberbatch: No, not at all. Very different cultures, very different people. He’s a very insular, complex, fragile Brit who’s not very outwardly expressive with his emotions and starts to come apart at the seams. So, the flare-ups, his changes in mood, and the temperature of relationships, and the testing of him as he kind of slowly becomes unraveled, is very new to him.
There’s also the unique aspect of something coming to life from someone’s imagination, present not just for him, but also for the children. This makes it distinct from my relationship with Eric. I did find it amusing that the person operating the crow was called Eric, which felt a bit absurd.[Chuckles] But ultimately, they are two vastly different stories.
Reflecting on his decision to both produce and star in the film, Cumberbatch describes the source material as a “startling original novel.” He commends Porter’s inventive approach to depicting grief through the protagonist’s lens, emphasizing the unreliable narration and the exploration of the boys’ experiences:
Benedict Cumberbatch: It’s just a startling original novel. It’s the most formally playful, inventive exploration of a subject that can be quite repressed in middle-class, middle-aged Briton environments. Max Porter masterfully employs poems by Ted Hughes as metaphors, revealing the narrative truly revolves around the boys. The unreliable narration captures their memories and experiences with their father, who is consumed by a collection of crow poems. Dylan’s brilliant decision to make my character a graphic novelist deepens this connection, allowing the work to feel tangible and present throughout the film.
This project presents many layers: two children new to acting, a man in a crow costume, and a contemporary father figure. There’s a significant challenge to maintain emotional authenticity amidst such eclectic elements, but that’s what drives me—seeking and overcoming challenges.
Dylan Southern’s Decade-Long Journey in Adapting Porter’s Work
“The Book is Really Unusual…”
Dylan Southern, known for his work in documentaries and music videos, makes his feature-length directorial debut with The Thing with Feathers. He recalls being captivated by Porter’s novel a decade ago, noting its unique and honest depiction of grief which posed a significant challenge for adaptation:
Dylan Southern: I read it 10 years ago. The journey from discovering the book to today has been significant. Its unique approach to grief—both honest and idiosyncratic—was unlike anything I had encountered. I was determined to translate this captivating narrative into film. The book’s structure is quite unconventional, blending prose and poetry, highlighting diverse perspectives across years. This presented a challenge, but excitingly allowed me creative freedom, all while receiving valuable support from Max.
Southern expresses gratitude for Cumberbatch’s dedication as both a producer and star of the film, admitting he had initial apprehensions about meeting the expectations of such an accomplished actor:
Dylan Southern: Working with Benedict, a seasoned actor, was daunting at first. However, he quickly eased my nerves. He was incredibly supportive, enabling me to pursue my vision. Collaborating with SunnyMarch ensured that he had a personal stake in the project, leading to a fulfilling partnership. Our discussions felt more like a cooperative dialogue than any traditional hierarchy.
The Thing with Feathers premiered at Sundance on January 25 and is currently seeking a U. S.distributor.
For more insights from Sundance 2025, explore additional interviews featuring:
- John Lithgow & the cast of Jimpa
- Jordan Michael Blake, Director of Paradise Man
- Dylan O’Brien & the cast of Twinless
- The cast and director of Brides
- The team behind Bubble & Squeak
- Director & stars of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Director & stars of The Wedding Banquet
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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