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Cumberbatch's Raw Grief in 'The Thing With Feathers'
16 Feb
Summary
- Benedict Cumberbatch portrays a father grieving his wife's death.
- The film explores a male perspective on loss and recovery.
- It features young, untrained actors alongside Cumberbatch.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in 'The Thing With Feathers,' a 2025 film examining the profound impact of grief through a distinctly male lens. The movie, released on BFI Player, follows a father, known simply as 'Dad,' and his two young sons as they grapple with the death of their wife and mother.
The narrative visualizes their grieving process, with the spectral presence of the deceased mother felt only through fleeting memories. A character named Crow, a dark and imposing representation of despair, visits the father and sons, symbolizing the darkness they must confront and move through.
Directed by Dylan Southern and adapted from Max Porter's novella, the film is a challenging but rewarding watch. Its rawness is intentional, reflecting the difficult nature of grief. The performances, particularly from the young actors Richard and Henry Boxall who play the sons, are noted for their authenticity despite their lack of prior professional experience.
