The Thing With Feathers Movie Review
In the eerie realm of hand-crafted horror, where grief takes on physical form, Dylan Southern’s “The Thing With Feathers” steps into the shadow of the terrifying legacy left by Jennifer Kent’s “The Babadook.” Starring Benedict Cumberbatch in a role of haunting madness, this film delves into the depths of bereavement with unyielding intensity.
The Story So Far:
Adapted from Max Porter’s novel “Grief Is the Thing With Feathers,” the movie follows a bereaved husband (Cumberbatch) who struggles to navigate the tumultuous waters of loss. As a crow-like figure descends upon his family, offering tough love in the guise of sorrow, the husband’s descent into madness becomes a harrowing journey through grief’s darkest corners.
The film unravels in four poignant chapters—Dad, Boys, Crow, and Demon—each narrating a different perspective on the family’s anguish. As the story unfolds, the lines between reality and nightmare blur, leading to a climactic confrontation that tests the limits of human resilience.
The Review:
Despite Cumberbatch’s raw and compelling performance, “The Thing With Feathers” falls short of its aspirations. The film’s attempt to translate Porter’s complex narrative into a visual medium results in a monotonous and heavy-handed exploration of grief. Southern’s foray into horror feels forced, with jump scares that miss the mark, leaving viewers more numb than terrified.
As the husband grapples with his inner demons, the film oscillates between moments of poignancy and absurdity. The boys’ tender observations of their father’s unraveling psyche offer glimpses of emotional depth, but their characters remain underdeveloped, serving as mere catalysts for the husband’s torment.
While Thewlis injects Crow with a malevolent charm, the character’s sardonic nature veers into caricature, undermining the film’s intended impact. The movie struggles to strike a balance between horror and psychological drama, resulting in a disjointed narrative that fails to resonate on a deeper level.
Conclusion:
“The Thing With Feathers” is a somber exploration of grief, anchored by Cumberbatch’s haunting portrayal of a man on the brink of despair. However, the film’s uneven tone and heavy-handed approach hinder its ability to truly connect with audiences on an emotional level. Despite moments of dark humor and flashes of brilliance, the movie ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the main theme of “The Thing With Feathers”?
– The main theme revolves around grief and the haunting manifestations of sorrow.
2. How does Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance stand out in the film?
– Cumberbatch delivers a raw and intense portrayal of a bereaved husband, capturing the agony of loss with haunting realism.
3. What are some of the key challenges faced by the main characters in the movie?
– The characters grapple with overwhelming grief, inner turmoil, and the unsettling presence of a crow-like figure that embodies their sorrow.
4. How does the film handle the transition from the novel to the screen?
– The adaptation struggles to capture the intricate nuances of Porter’s novel, resulting in a narrative that feels heavy-handed and disjointed at times.
5. What role does Crow play in the story?
– Crow serves as a menacing yet enigmatic presence that guides the family through their grief, offering tough love and confronting them with their deepest fears.
6. How does the movie balance horror and psychological drama?
– The film struggles to find a harmonious blend between horror elements and psychological depth, leading to a narrative that feels disjointed and tonally uneven.
7. What are some standout moments in the film?
– Moments of dark humor and emotional resonance punctuate the film, offering brief glimpses of brilliance amid the overall somber tone.
8. How does the film address the complexities of grief?
– The movie delves into the complex layers of grief, exploring the profound impact of loss on individuals and families in a haunting and visceral manner.
9. What are some criticisms of “The Thing With Feathers”?
– Critics have pointed out the film’s heavy-handed approach to grief, uneven pacing, and reliance on horror tropes that detract from its emotional impact.
10. Overall, how does “The Thing With Feathers” fare as a horror drama?
– While the film boasts strong performances and moments of emotional depth, its shortcomings in tone and narrative execution ultimately hinder its ability to resonate as a compelling horror drama.
Tags: The Thing With Feathers, Movie Review, Benedict Cumberbatch, Grief, Horror, Psychological Drama, Loss, Adaptation, Max Porter, Jennifer Kent.