Director Dylan Southern Discusses Cumberbatch, New Projects

Dylan Southern, the writer-director of The Thing With Feathers, recently shared insights into his collaboration with Benedict Cumberbatch and his upcoming projects. The film, which is based on Max Porter‘s award-winning book, Grief Is the Thing With Feathers, had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival before screening at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.

The story revolves around a father, played by Cumberbatch, who grapples with the sudden loss of his wife. Accompanied by his two young sons, portrayed by Richard and Henry Boxall, the narrative explores their emotional journey as they navigate grief with the help of a mystical crow. Southern, known for his work in music documentaries and videos for artists like the Arctic Monkeys and Björk, transitioned to narrative filmmaking with this project.

From Passion Project to Collaboration

Southern detailed the challenges of bringing the film to life, stating, “I optioned the book on my own. I spent my own money. And I was sort of in the hole.” His determination to adapt the story fueled his commitment, despite the financial strain. When he discovered Cumberbatch was a fan of the book, he decided to send the script, expecting a lengthy wait for a response. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised when SunnyMarch, Cumberbatch’s production company, responded within two weeks expressing interest.

Reflecting on their initial meeting, Southern admitted to feeling nervous about working with such a prominent actor. “I went to meet him, and all of those nerves were dispelled. We got on so well,” he recalled. The collaboration proved fruitful, with Cumberbatch engaging deeply in discussions about his character long before filming began.

Southern emphasized the importance of this relationship, noting, “The first time I called ‘action,’ I forgot to call ‘cut’ because I was so mesmerized by his performance.” The shooting process was intense, with only six weeks allocated to complete the film, but the strong foundation laid in pre-production made the experience more manageable.

Future Projects and New Directions

Looking ahead, Southern is considering his next steps in filmmaking. While he had initially planned to move away from music documentaries, he received a request from the iconic band Oasis to document their reunion. This opportunity has drawn him back into the music world, but he remains focused on writing his next narrative feature.

He shared that this upcoming project will diverge from the emotional arc of The Thing With Feathers. “It’s flexing a different muscle… it’s a London-based thriller that is completely plot-driven,” he explained. After spending five years developing an original film that ultimately fell through, Southern acknowledges the resilience required in the industry. “That’s where I learned you have to have really thick skin,” he said.

As Southern transitions from documentaries to narrative features, his commitment to storytelling remains steadfast. With the success of The Thing With Feathers, he is eager to explore new creative avenues and continue captivating audiences with his work.