After the death of his wife, an illustrator (Benedict Cumberbatch) is trying to keep his head above water, caring for two boys; suddenly, a creature he draws seems to come alive.

Grief can take many shapes and in this story it is symbolized by a horrifying, large crow who taunts its maker in the voice of David Thewlis. It’s (literally) a very dark film, heart-wrenching, with moments of horror.

Cumberbatch is certainly good, but as a drama it’s more claustrophobic than gripping.

2025-U.K. 104 min. Color. Written and directed by Dylan Southern. Novel: Max Porter (”Grief is the Thing with Feathers”). Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch (Dad), Vinette Robinson (Amanda), Sam Spruell (Paul), Leo Bill, Richard Boxall, Henry Boxall. Voice of David Thewlis.