The Thing with Feathers | Lionsgate Play | Jan 9 2026
The Thing with Feathers premieres on Lionsgate Play on January 9, 2026, offering a deeply moving and unconventional exploration of loss, love, and emotional survival. Directed and written by Dylan Southern, the film is based on Max Porter’s acclaimed book Grief Is the Thing with Feathers. It blends raw human emotion with haunting symbolism to tell a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
At its core, the film is not just about grief. Instead, it is about how people learn to live alongside it.
A Family Shattered by Loss
The story follows a father and his two young sons as they struggle to cope after the sudden death of their wife and mother. Life feels suspended. Daily routines lose meaning. Silence fills the spaces where love once lived.
However, grief does not arrive quietly. It takes form as a large, unsettling crow, a constant presence in their home and minds. This crow becomes both tormentor and guide. At times, it feels cruel. At other moments, it offers strange comfort.
Through this surreal figure, the film shows how grief can be overwhelming, intrusive, and impossible to ignore.
Benedict Cumberbatch in a Powerful Lead Role
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a restrained yet deeply emotional performance as the grieving father. His portrayal captures exhaustion, confusion, and quiet strength. Rather than dramatic outbursts, his pain lives in small moments and unspoken thoughts.
The two sons, played by Richard Boxall and Henry Boxall, bring honesty and vulnerability to the screen. Their performances reflect how children process loss differently, often through imagination and fear.
Meanwhile, the crow is brought to life by Eric Lampaert, with a chilling voice performance by David Thewlis. Together, they turn grief into a haunting character that feels disturbingly real.
A Unique Visual and Emotional Experience
Unlike traditional dramas, The Thing with Feathers leans heavily into metaphor and mood. The film uses minimal dialogue, striking imagery, and quiet tension. As a result, viewers are invited to feel rather than simply watch.
Moreover, the crow serves as a reminder that grief does not disappear. Instead, it changes shape over time. Sometimes it attacks. Sometimes it teaches. Always, it stays.
Strong Creative Backing
Produced by Film4, BFI, Lobo Films, and SunnyMarch, the film carries a distinct artistic vision. It avoids clichés and embraces emotional honesty. Distributed by Vue Lumière, the film stands out as a bold and thoughtful adaptation.
Why The Thing with Feathers Is Worth Watching
- A powerful and poetic take on grief
- Benedict Cumberbatch in a deeply affecting role
- Unique symbolism that elevates the storytelling
- Emotional depth without melodrama
- A meaningful adaptation of a celebrated novel
If you appreciate films that explore complex emotions with sensitivity and creativity, The Thing with Feathers is a must-watch. Stream it on Lionsgate Play from January 9, 2026, and experience a story where grief becomes both monster and companion.
