The Thing With Feathers (2025) is a British psychological drama with horror elements. It is written and directed by Dylan Southern and adapted from Max Porter’s novella Grief Is the Thing with Feathers.
The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, with Richard Boxall and Henry Boxall as his sons, Eric Lampaert as the crow’s physical performer, and David Thewlis as the crow’s voice.
The plot follows a grieving father who is haunted by a grotesque, humanoid crow as he tries to raise his children after their wife and mother dies unexpectedly. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is set for UK release on November 21, 2025, and US release on November 28, 2025.
The Thing With Feathers Age Rating
The Thing With Feathers is rated R for language and bloody, violent content. This R rating reflects frequent strong language and some on-screen bloody violence tied to the film’s psychological horror elements. The R label signals that the film is intended for mature viewers and is not appropriate for young children. Parents should treat this film as adult-oriented and consider previewing it before allowing teen viewing.
Violence & Peril
Violence in The Thing With Feathers is tied to psychological horror and surreal physical encounters. The film includes scenes where the crow manifests violently, causing distress and bloody visuals. Some sequences are intentionally frightening, with close, unsettling shots of injury and chaos. The atmosphere builds tension steadily, making scenes more intense than graphic effects alone.
Language
Strong and frequent profanity appears throughout the dialogue. The language includes repeated use of the f-word and other harsh expletives. Insults and aggressive verbal encounters heighten the film’s raw emotional tone. Parents should expect adult-level swearing woven into many key scenes.
Mature Themes
The story explores grief, trauma, and mental fragility in prolonged, often bleak ways. Themes include sudden bereavement, the breakdown of daily routine, parental guilt, and the psychological burden of single parenthood. The crow functions as a macabre embodiment of sorrow and self-reproach. The film also depicts smoking and brief substance cues within an adult context.
Is The Thing With Feathers Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The film’s R rating, bloody imagery, and intense psychological themes make it unsuitable for children. The subject matter is too disturbing for younger viewers.
Ages 13–15: With guidance, probably not. Many scenes are violent, bloody, and psychologically heavy. Parents should either prevent viewing or pre-screen and discuss content in advance.
Ages 16–17: With strong guidance. Mature teens may understand the themes, but the film’s tone, language, and imagery can be upsetting. Watch together and debrief afterward to help process the material.
Final recommendation: Best reserved for adults and older teens (16+) after parental preview. The film is emotionally raw, and many sequences can distress younger viewers.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself. Watch key scenes first to judge what your teen can handle.
- Prepare to discuss grief and mental health. Use the film to talk about healthy coping and support.
- Pause and explain during viewing. Offer reassurance after intense moments and check in afterward.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for The Thing With Feathers?
A: The film is rated R by the MPAA for language and bloody violent content.
Q: Is The Thing With Feathers appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No for children. Older teens may watch with parental guidance and prior discussion.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes that might upset children?
A: Yes. The film contains disturbing, bloody scenes and intense psychological horror.
Q: How strong is the language in the film?
A: Language is frequent and strong, including repeated use of the f-word.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Sexual content is not a key feature. The film focuses mainly on grief and horror.
Q: Where and when will the film be released?
A: The film premiered at Sundance 2025. UK release is Nov 21, 2025. US release is Nov 28, 2025.