Dylan Southern has made a significant mark in the film industry with his latest project, The Thing With Feathers. This film features Benedict Cumberbatch and is adapted from Max Porter’s acclaimed book, Grief Is the Thing With Feathers. After its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the film screened at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, drawing considerable attention from audiences and critics alike.
The narrative follows a father, portrayed by Cumberbatch, as he navigates the complexities of grief alongside his two young sons following the sudden death of their wife and mother. The film introduces a character known as ‘Crow,’ who emerges from the pages of the father’s writing, acting as a guide through their sorrow. Southern explained the essence of the story as focusing on the emotional journey of its characters rather than a conventional plot.
Dylan Southern’s Journey to Directing
Southern, who previously gained recognition for his music documentaries, including Meet Me in the Bathroom and Shut Up and Play the Hits, was determined to bring this poignant story to the screen. “I optioned the book on my own,” he recounted. “I did everything you’re not meant to as a filmmaker. I spent my own money. And I was sort of in the hole. But I believed in this book and the idea of this film so much that I just kept pushing it and pushing it.”
His perseverance paid off when he learned that Cumberbatch was also a fan of the book. Southern reached out to him with the script, anticipating a lengthy wait for a response. Instead, within two weeks, Cumberbatch’s company, SunnyMarch, expressed interest, leading to a meeting that dispelled Southern’s initial nerves. “He was such a great collaborator,” Southern said. The two engaged in extensive discussions about the character long before filming began, establishing a strong working relationship.
Future Projects and New Directions
Despite the challenges of transitioning from documentaries to narrative filmmaking, Southern found joy in the process. Reflecting on the filming experience, he joked, “The first time I called ‘action,’ I forgot to call ‘cut’ because I was so mesmerized by his performance.”
Looking ahead, Southern faces a choice between continuing in narrative film or returning to his documentary roots. He mentioned a new opportunity that brings him back to music documentaries, discussing a potential project with the band Oasis. “The ask came from Oasis, if I and my directing partner would cover their reunion,” he quipped.
In addition to this, Southern is currently developing another film, a London-based thriller that promises a different narrative style. He described this new project as “completely plot-driven with character,” contrasting it with the emotional exploration of The Thing With Feathers. “It’s flexing a different muscle from The Thing With Feathers, in which the arc is emotional,” he explained.
As Southern continues to navigate his filmmaking career, he remains committed to telling impactful stories, regardless of the medium. His journey illustrates the dedication and resilience required to bring a vision to life, whether through documentaries or fictional narratives.
