Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired the United States distribution rights to “The Thing With Feathers,” the highly anticipated debut narrative feature from writer-director Dylan Southern and has set a wide theatrical release for October 31, 2025.

The film, which world-premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before making its international debut at the Berlin International Film Festival, is a bold, genre-bending adaptation of Max Porter’s acclaimed novella “Grief Is the Thing With Feathers.” Starring two-time Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch, alongside newcomers Richard Boxall and Henry Boxall.

Left to raise two young sons after the unexpected death of his wife, Dad’s life begins to unravel. Grief is messy and chaotic enough as it is, but when it takes the form of an unhinged and unwanted houseguest – Crow – taunting him from the shadows, things start to spiral out of control…but maybe that’s exactly what Dad needs.

“Dylan Southern has crafted something truly unique—an emotional gut punch wrapped in a dark, fantastical nightmare,” said Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Briarcliff Entertainment. “With its bold visual storytelling and powerhouse performances, “The Thing With Feathers” is an unforgettable exploration of grief, madness, and transformation. We’re thrilled to bring this vision to audiences.”

The film is produced by Andrea Cornwell of Lobo Films (“Love Lies Bleeding”), and Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland of SunnyMarch Productions (“We Live in Time,” “The Mauritanian”), with backing from Film4 and the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), in association with Align, Uncommon Creative Studio, mk2 Films, and Rank and File, co-produced with Film I Vast and Filmgate Films.

In adapting the critically acclaimed book, Southern sought to preserve its poetic, fragmented, tonally adventurous storytelling, translating it to the screen through a heightened visual style that blends naturalism with the fantastic. In doing so he has created a film that playfully pushes the envelope – combining elements of psychological horror with heartrending emotional drama. The result is a hauntingly immersive and singular experience.

UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the deal with mk2 Films who also handled International sales on behalf of the filmmakers.

About Briarcliff Entertainment
Founded in 2018 by industry veteran Tom Ortenberg, Briarcliff Entertainment is a forward-thinking entertainment company dedicated to releasing impactful and topical films. Among its notable releases is “The Apprentice,” starring Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, which earned two Academy Award nominations for each actor.

Since its inception, Briarcliff has distributed a diverse slate of films, including Liam Neeson’s “Honest Thief,” “The Marksman,” “Blacklight,” and “Marlowe” (co-starring Diane Kruger and Jessica Lange); the Latino superhero film “El Chicano;” the supernatural thriller “Don’t Let Go;” “CopShop” starring Gerard Butler; the Foo Fighters’ “Studio 666;” and Martin Campbell’s “Memory.” Other releases include the sports biopics “Sweetwater and The Hill,” the Gerard Butler-led action thriller “Kandahar,” Luc Besson’s “DogMan” (a New York Times Critics’ Pick), the horror thriller “Werewolves” starring Frank Grillo, the military drama “Valiant One” featuring Chase Stokes and Lana Condor, and SXSW Audience Award winner “My Dead Friend Zoe” starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman, Sundance knockout “Magazine Dreams” starring Jonathan Majors.

Briarcliff has also distributed award-winning documentaries such as “Fahrenheit 11/9,” “The Dissident,” “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down,” and “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story.” Upcoming, “October 8,” examining the rise of antisemitism in the U.S. following the Hamas attack on Israel.

Looking ahead, Briarcliff’s upcoming slate includes “Sneaks” (April 18), a sneaker-themed animated film voiced by Anthony Mackie, Martin Lawrence, Laurence Fishburne, Chlöe Bailey, and Grammy-winning producer Mustard; and the crime thriller “Sovereign,” starring Nick Offerman, Dennis Quaid, and Jacob Tremblay and “Juliet & Romeo” (May 9) a bold and breathtaking reimagining of one of the world’s most iconic love stories.

The company is also in post-production on “Nickels,” a poignant spiritual drama starring Rob Riggle.