The Thing with Feathers: Release date news, cast details and more about the upcoming drama film starring Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch has brought a variety of characters to life on screen. This time, he returns in Dylan Southern's 2025 drama, The Thing with Feathers. The film marks another adaptation of Max Porter’s debut novella, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers.

The novel offered a fresh take on grief, moving between realism and myth. It has been adapted to the stage many times before.

Benedict Cumberbatch at "The Thing With Feathers" Screening Source: Getty

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival's world premiere gave the film a chance to earn early praise. For the U.K. viewers, the film hits theaters on November 21, 2025, and for viewers in the United States on November 28, 2025.

The Thing with Feathers: release details

For viewers, the film promises to deliver a fresh, cinematic experience (an experience that Max Porter readers get). For Cumberbatch, The Thing with Feathers will mark his return to a serious role.

As an actor, Cumberbatch has displayed great range and acting skill, making expectations very high for his upcoming title. The psychological drama by Dylan Southern is scheduled to arrive in U.K. theaters on November 21, 2025, and November 28, 2025 (U.S.).

The Thing with Feathers: plot details

The film traces the story of a grieving family that is trying to cope with the loss of the mother figure. The unnamed father, referred to simply as “Dad,” is forced to raise his two sons when his wife dies untimely.

The grieving mind of the father soon finds a strange presence in their home, a crow. The voice acting by David Thewlis fits perfectly with Eric Lampaert's physical acting. The strange guest haunts, taunts, and sometimes comforts but mostly provokes him in equal measure.

Cumberbatch's acting needs no dwelling. The writing, along with the film's compelling subject, earned the film praise at Sundance. According to some reports, it is being described as visually distinctive and emotionally raw.

The Thing with Feathers: cast details

Various actors turn in-book characters into living, breathing characters on screen. The veteran actor David Thewlis joins the cast.

We have also seen him as Mr. Lupin in the Harry Potter movies. He joins the cast as one of the most interesting characters, the Crow. Tim Plester, who previously starred in Game of Thrones (as Black Walder Rivers), steps in as Andy. Here is a detailed list of the cast that brings Max Porter's novel to life on screen:

Sl. No.	Actor	Role
1.	Benedict Cumberbatch	Dad
2.	Richard Boxall	Boy 1
3.	Henry Boxall	Boy 2
4.	Eric Lampaert	Crow (physical performer)
5.	David Thewlis	Voice of Crow
6.	Vinette Robinson	Amanda
7.	Sam Spruell	Paul
8.	Leo Bill	Dr Bowden
9.	Tim Plester	Andy

Benedict Cumberbatch has always been the kind of actor who brings versatile characters to life on screen. One moment, we see him opening portals as Doctor Strange; the next, he plays the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes.

From grounded portrayals in The Power of the Dog to more nuanced characters, his performances have made headlines since his entry into the Hollywood stage.