Cumberbatch Navigates Grief and Masculinity in ‘The Thing With Feathers’
Benedict Cumberbatch has stepped out of the Marvel universe to delve into some serious emotional territory in his latest film, “The Thing With Feathers.” Premiering in Berlin after a warm reception at Sundance, the family drama sees Cumberbatch playing a father grappling with the sudden loss of his wife while navigating the murky waters of grief and its effects on his two sons. In a recent interview, Cumberbatch revealed his personal reflections on grief, emphasizing that the story mirrors a profound human experience—letting go. “Grief… is also about letting go. Something that was there is no longer there,” he shared, bursting with that signature Cumberbatch earnestness. The film is based on Max Porter’s acclaimed novel, which was hailed by the Sunday Times as one of the “Top 100 Novels of the Twenty-first Century.” It’s a piece that’s jumped various media hoops, with adaptations reaching the stage before landing on the big screen.
Written and directed by Dylan Southern—who’s no stranger to the indie scene with “Meet Me in the Bathroom”—the film’s structure is designed to reflect the fragmented reality of the protagonist through the eyes of his children and a crow’s melancholic perspective. Cumberbatch teased that this non-linear structure allows the film to depict grief in an “interesting, non-verbal” way, adding depth to the viewing experience. And let’s be honest, when was the last time we saw a film that creatively tackled the concept of masculinity? According to Cumberbatch, traditional notions are getting a serious shake-up. He highlighted how embracing emotional vulnerability is often regarded as “not top of the agenda” for masculinity in cinema, but “The Thing With Feathers” challenges that norm by allowing characters to express uncertainty and sorrow.
Working alongside child actors—who he praised as being unbelievably talented—Cumberbatch describes the creative atmosphere with Southern as both fun and deeply trusting. They “had a lot of fun in pre-production,” he said, which helped ease the tension of portraying such a raw and vulnerable character. So if you’re looking to catch a thought-provoking flick that tugs at the heartstrings while redefining masculinity, keep your eyes peeled for “The Thing With Feathers.” With Cumberbatch’s charm and a compelling storyline, it’s bound to stir up more than just tears.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, IndieWire, The Guardian
