Benedict Cumberbatch’s Latest Thriller Divides Critics: A Disappointment for Fans of Sherlock and Wonder?

Benedict Cumberbatch’s recent encounter with horror hasn’t received the best feedback, with critics characterizing it as “the cinematic equivalent of a bird screeching in your ear.” The latest movie, The Thing with Feathers, directed by Dylan Southern, currently sits on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 56%.

Based on Max Porter’s novella, The Thing with Feathers, Cumberbatch portrays a bereaved father of two boys, who grapples with profound sorrow following his loss when an enormous crow named Crow (voiced by David Thewlis) starts intruding into his life. While the premise has an intriguing connection to The Babadook, the general agreement is that Cumberbatch is the highlight in a film that fails to match his caliber. Benjamin Lee from The Guardian stated, “It’s neither frightening nor shocking enough to succeed as a horror film, nor is it emotionally engaging or psychologically profound enough to thrive as a drama,” while Bilge Ebiri from Vulture commented, “it nearly squanders one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s finest performances.” Jon Negroni from In Between Drafts noted, “Rather than drawing you deeper into the story, these technical flaws feel like the cinematic equivalent of a bird screeching in your ear.”

However, Southern’s film has garnered some accolades. Sean Boelman from FandomWire remarked, “The Thing With Feathers’s direct and bold approach to its central metaphor may not resonate with everyone, but many will appreciate its creative yet compassionate portrayal of grief.” Chris Bumbray from JoBlo also supported the film’s lead, describing it as “Dark, yet Benedict Cumberbatch is outstanding.” You may wish to hold off on forming your opinion until the film receives a broader release. For now, if you’re in the mood for some spine-tingling chills, check out our list of the 30 best horror films that will linger with you long after the credits roll.