Grief is funny. It takes a toll on all of us, but often appears in different ways. There is no timeline and no easy answers. You just have to fight your way through it.

In the new film The Thing With Feathers, which opens in theaters Friday, takes that literally. The film centers on a grieving father. But that grief takes the literal form of a crow, with whom he has to do battle to survive.

The film is based on the book from Max Porter. In it a father (Benedict Cumberbatch) has lost his wife. It’s left him along with his two kids. As he tries to fill his role as parent, he struggles with his own grief and loss. But rather than sharing it, he tries to keep it bottled up.

Eventually, that grief manifests as a crow. That puts him in a position where he has to fight his grief, literally. Will he be able to battle grief and keep it at bey, or will it consume him? Can he learn to open up and share with his children, helping them to heal together along the way before it’s too late?

This is some difficult and emotional material. Porter’s book is the inspiration for this script from Dylan Southern, who also directed the film. Southern had previously worked on shorts, music videos, and even a full-length musical documentary. This feels like something very different as he ventures into a scripted special.

The film has some strong moments and some interesting visuals, especially in the way it brings this father’s grief to life. It’s an interesting way to approach the subject that creates opportunities for catharsis and deep emotions.

Southern finds a good partner in Cumberbatch. He’s a gifted actor who pours himself into this part and this journey. He has some really compelling moments in this as well. But unfortunately, it doesn’t quite come together as it could.

This is a solid subject for a feature. It also takes an interesting approach in literalizing grief. There are some strong moments, but some moments that feel confused. The film also drags at times, despite a relatively short running time. It had potential and had some moments, but it doesn’t all come together.

The Thing With Feathers is in limited release starting Friday, November 28.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.