The Thing with Feathers is a psychological drama-fantasy film directed by Dylan Southern and co-written by Max Porter and Southern himself. Based on Porter’s acclaimed novel Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, the film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Boxall, and Henry Boxall in leading roles. The story follows a grieving father who struggles to raise his two young sons after a tragic loss while confronting an unexpected and mysterious guest—a crow that seems both terrifying and comforting.
The movie combines emotional realism with supernatural symbolism, exploring grief, love, and healing through a haunting yet poetic lens. With a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, this deeply emotional film is set to release on November 21, 2025, distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Thing with Feathers |
| Genre | Psychological Drama, Fantasy |
| Director/Writer | Dylan Southern / Max Porter |
| Starring | Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Boxall, Henry Boxall, David Thewlis |
| Runtime | 98 minutes |
| Age Rating | R (Restricted) |
| Release Date | November 21, 2025 |
| Distributor | Briarcliff Entertainment |
The Thing with Feathers Age Rating
R (Restricted) as confirmed by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) bulletin #55696. The movie is rated R for language and some bloody, violent content.
This rating means the film contains mature material not suitable for children under 17 without parental supervision. The film includes emotional intensity, scenes of mild blood and injury, and some disturbing visual elements related to grief and hallucination. There is also strong language used throughout.
An R rating generally indicates that the movie deals with adult themes, may feature violence or language unsuitable for young audiences, and is intended for mature viewers. Parents are strongly urged to learn more about the content before allowing children to watch.
Is The Thing with Feathers Suitable for Kids?
No, The Thing with Feathers is not suitable for children or pre-teens. The movie’s themes revolve around death, loss, and psychological trauma, which may be too intense for younger audiences. Although it features fantasy elements, they are deeply symbolic and sometimes frightening. Older teens might appreciate its emotional storytelling, but parents should preview it first to ensure comfort with its tone and mature language.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | Not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8–12 | Not recommended due to dark and emotional themes. |
| Teens (13–15) | Viewer discretion advised; may be too heavy emotionally. |
| Teens (16–17) | Suitable with caution; contains mature language and intense moments. |
| Adults | Yes, recommended for mature audiences. |
The Thing with Feathers Parents Guide
- Sex & Nudity: There are no sexual scenes or nudity. The focus remains on emotional grief and family relationships.
- Violence & Gore: A few mild scenes show blood and injury, often tied to dreamlike or symbolic moments involving the crow. These scenes may be unsettling for sensitive viewers.
- Profanity: Frequent use of strong language throughout the film, consistent with its R rating.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Minimal. No prominent scenes of substance use are depicted.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: The movie contains emotionally intense moments involving grief, nightmares, and the dark imagery of a crow creature that represents sorrow. These elements may frighten younger or sensitive viewers.
Tips for Parents
Parents are advised to watch the trailer first and discuss the movie’s themes of grief and loss with older teens if they plan to view it together. The story’s emotional tone may trigger sadness or anxiety in some viewers, so be mindful of your child’s sensitivity to such topics.
The Thing with Feathers Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for The Thing with Feathers (2025) here:-
FAQs
1. What is the age rating for The Thing with Feathers (2025)?
The film is officially rated R by the MPAA for language and some bloody, violent content.
2. Is The Thing with Feathers suitable for teenagers?
Only older teens (16+) may find it suitable, as it deals with heavy grief themes and includes strong language.
3. Does The Thing with Feathers movie contain violence or disturbing imagery?
Yes, it features a few mildly bloody and emotionally intense scenes linked to grief and fantasy symbolism.
4. Where can I watch The Thing with Feathers?
The film will be distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and is set to release in theatres on November 21, 2025.
5. Is The Thing with Feathers movie based on a book?
Yes, it is adapted from Max Porter’s novel Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, a critically acclaimed work blending poetry, grief, and magical realism.