"The Thing With Feathers" combines Grief, Gimmicks and a missed landing.

One of the most common tropes in film is the representation of grief through the symbolism of a bird, often signifying death. Director Dylan Southern explores this theme in his latest film, “The Thing With Feathers.” Sothern's script introduces us to a man known as Dad, portrayed by two-time Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.

Following the death of his wife, the father’s grasp on reality begins to unravel, and a strange presence starts to stalk him from the shadowy corners of the apartment he shares with his two young sons, Boy 1 (Richard Boxall) and Boy 2 (Henry Boxall).

A man-like crow, played by Eric Lampart and voiced by David Thewlis, seemingly brought to life from the father’s work as an illustrator, becomes an integral part of their lives. This crow ultimately guides them toward the new shape their family must take.

“The Thing With Feathers” is an arthouse film that confuses claustrophobia with profundity. By the forty-minute mark, you may find yourself wishing for a breath of fresh air. Director Dylan Sothern’s heavy-handed adaptation compresses the narrative, making it feel more like a stranglehold than a meditation on grief.

Max Porter’s novel is a raw, intimate chamber drama depicting a family in crisis after the mother’s sudden death. The film borrows some material from the book but lacks its absurdity, opting instead for a uniform, drab tone that suffocates the story.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a strong performance as a grieving father, grounding the film amidst its surreal detours and horror elements. His portrayal seems at odds with the rest of the film, which often feels chaotic.

The titular “thing with feathers” appears as an ominous crow symbolizing grief. While it can serve as an emotional totem, it often becomes a distracting visual cacophony that oversimplifies the complex experience of loss.

Despite moments of quiet poignancy that highlight the father-son connections, the film ultimately stifles itself in stylistic excess. It’s an ambitious but flawed adaptation that overshadows Cumberbatch’s strong performance with confusion and visual gimmicks.

Final Grade: C-

“THE THING WITH FEATHERS” opens in theaters today.