In a poignant exploration of grief, Benedict Cumberbatch stars in “The Thing With Feathers,” adapted from Max Porter’s acclaimed work, “Grief Is the Thing With Feathers.” The film recently made its debut at the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) after premiering at Sundance, showcasing a moving narrative centered on loss and family.
Film Overview
This adaptation follows a father, portrayed by Cumberbatch, as he navigates life with his two sons, Richard and Henry Boxall, after the sudden death of their wife and mother. The story unfolds with the introduction of ‘Crow,’ a character that appears from the book Sad Dad is writing, impacting their process of grieving.
Director’s Journey
The film is directed by Dylan Southern, who is recognized for his work in music documentaries. Southern shared his personal journey in bringing this story to life, stating, “I optioned the book on my own… I spent my own money.” His dedication to the project fueled his commitment to push for its realization, despite challenges.
Casting Cumberbatch
Southern expressed his surprise when Cumberbatch expressed interest in the project. “I sent him the script, expecting to wait six months for a polite ‘no,’” he recalled. To his delight, Cumberbatch’s production company, SunnyMarch, responded favorably within two weeks, paving the way for a collaboration that Southern had not anticipated.
Working Together
The director praised Cumberbatch as a fantastic collaborator. He noted the extensive discussions they had about the character, which helped establish a strong working relationship before filming began. “The first time I called ‘action,’ I forgot to call ‘cut’,” Southern laughed, highlighting the captivating nature of Cumberbatch’s performance.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Southern is not solely focused on narrative filmmaking. He quipped about returning to documentaries, specifically mentioning a potential project involving the band Oasis. “The ask came from Oasis if my directing partner and I would cover their reunion,” he said, indicating a blend of past and future endeavors.
New Narrative Features
Southern is already developing his next feature film, stating it will be plot-driven, unlike the emotional journey depicted in “The Thing With Feathers.” He aims to delve into character-driven storytelling with his upcoming London-based thriller.
Conclusion
As Southern transitions from documentaries to narrative filmmaking, his journey illustrates a commitment to storytelling in various forms. With a strong start through “The Thing With Feathers,” audiences can anticipate an exciting blend of projects from this versatile filmmaker.
