Book-to-screen adaptations have become the heartbeat of modern storytelling, where beloved pages find new life on screen. Whether it is Mickey 17, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and It Ends With Us, the last just goes on. And now, joining this wave is The Thing With Feathers, an upcoming psychological thriller that promises to blur the lines between trust and terror. 

With a gripping premise drawn from the acclaimed novel, this adaptation is already sparking curiosity among mystery lovers everywhere, that too with an exceptional cast.

Adapted from Max Porter’s novel Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter. The film follows a widowed father and his two young sons as they navigate the suffocating weight of loss. When grief takes on an unsettling, physical form, their home becomes a space where memory, sorrow, and an uninvited guest, a crow. Blending poetic melancholy with psychological horror, the story transforms mourning into something both tender and terrifying.

Directed by Dylan Southern, The Thing With Feathers carries the emotional depth of its source material into a haunting visual experience. The screenplay is also penned by Southern, with Ben Fordesman handling cinematography and music by Zebedee C. Budworth. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, and is all set for its USA release on November 28, 2025.

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As The Thing with Feathers gears up for a release, meet the cast of the upcoming psychological drama. 

Bringing Max Porter’s haunting tale to life is a stellar ensemble that perfectly balances emotional depth with eerie intrigue.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dad

The Oscar-nominated actor portrays a grieving father haunted by loss and the uncanny. Cumberbatch is globally recognized for his roles as Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock and Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with acclaimed performances in The Imitation Game and The Power of the Dog. Recently, he also starred in The Roses with Olivia Colman. 

Richard Boxall as Boy 1 & Henry Boxall as Boy 2

The young brothers form the emotional heart of the story. Both newcomers deliver naturalistic performances that anchor the film’s exploration of grief. The Thing With Feathers marks a significant debut for the Boxall siblings, hinting at promising futures in British cinema.

Eric Lampaert as Crow

As the eerie, physical embodiment of grief, Lampaert brings unsettling energy to the mysterious Crow. Known for his comedic and character-driven performances in Stoner Express and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, he takes a darker turn in this psychological thriller. 

David Thewlis as the Voice of Crow

Thewlis lends his haunting voice to the spectral presence that invades the family’s world. Famous for playing Professor Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter series, Thewlis has also delivered acclaimed performances in Fargo, Naked, and The Theory of Everything.

Vinette Robinson as Amanda 

Robinson plays Amanda, a grounding figure amid the film’s emotional chaos. Best known for Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Boiling Point, her performances often blend quiet strength with emotional intensity.

Sam Spruell as Paul 

Spruell adds tension and texture to the narrative as Paul. Audiences will recognize him from Snow White and the Huntsman, Taken 3, and The North Water, where he has excelled at portraying morally complex characters.

Leo Bill as Dr. Bowden 

Bill plays the family’s doctor, a rational counterpoint to their unraveling reality. His past credits include 28 Days Later, Becoming Jane, and The Living and the Dead, showcasing his versatility in both period and psychological roles.

Tim Plester as Andy

Known for After Life and Game of Thrones, Plester brings warmth and humanity to Andy, a supporting role that adds realism to the film’s haunting tone.

Claire Cartwright as Mum

Seen through memories and flashbacks, Cartwright’s “Mum” embodies the love and loss that fuel the story’s emotional center. She has previously appeared in British dramas such as Casualty and Doctors, often portraying nuanced, empathetic characters. 

From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, The Thing With Feathers boasts a cast whose performances promise to make this adaptation as unforgettable as its source material.  

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Are you excited about The Thing With Feathers? Let us know in the comments below.