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Image Courtesy: Collider
Benedict Cumberbatch is known for bringing charm, wit, and heroism to the screen, from his Marvel role as Doctor Strange to his lighter performances in films like 'The Roses.' However, his latest project, 'The Thing With Feathers,' takes him into much darker emotional territory, delivering one of the most devastating performances of his career.
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Thing With Feathers'
In a newly released exclusive sneak peek, Cumberbatch portrays a grieving father simply known as Dad, a man struggling to survive in the aftermath of his wife's sudden death. The scene shows him sitting with a close friend, quietly drinking a warm beverage and smoking while attempting to process his overwhelming loss. His silence speaks louder than words, and his shattered expression reveals how deeply grief has consumed him.
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Image Courtesy: Collider
When asked by his friend whether he has been able to sleep or talk about his pain, Dad only responds with hesitant nods before breaking down emotionally once again. Despite his suffering, his love for his two sons remains a driving force. Even when offered help, he insists on being there for them, desperately trying to preserve some sense of normalcy in their disrupted lives.
'The Thing With Feathers' is High on Emotions And Loss
As the story progresses, the film follows Dad's gradual emotional unravelling. Without his wife, he struggles to manage everyday responsibilities such as cooking and grocery shopping. Making his grief even harder to escape is the mysterious presence of Crow, a dark, haunting figure that embodies the family's sorrow. This unsettling entity torments both Dad and his children, complicating their attempts to heal and move forward.
The film is based on Max Porter's acclaimed novella 'Grief Is the Thing With Feathers' and explores how a broken family confronts loss through pain, memory, and moments of strange, chaotic connection.
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Image Courtesy: Collider
Directed by Dylan Southern and produced by Andrea Cornwell, Adam Ackland, and Leah Clarke, the film 'The Thing With Feathers' also stars Richard and Henry Boxall as the two sons and features David Thewlis as the voice of Crow. The supporting cast includes Jessie Cave, Vinette Robinson, Sam Spruell, and Leo Bill.
Early reviews have praised the film for its unflinching portrayal of grief, with critics highlighting Cumberbatch's emotionally raw performance as one of the most powerful of his career. The film is being described as heartbreaking, disturbing, and ultimately cathartic for audiences who have experienced loss.
'The Thing With Feathers' hits theatres on 28th November and promises to be one of the most emotionally intense dramas of the year.
