Queer Star Eric on Working with ‘Refreshing’ Benedict Cumberbatch

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McKinley Belcher III Reflects on the Joy of Working with Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘Eric’

McKinley Belcher III, the queer talent acclaimed for his performance in ‘Mapplethorpe’, opens up about his delightful experience working with two-time Oscar nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch in the stirring Netflix thriller, ‘Eric’.

A Peek into Netflix’s Thrilling ‘Eric’

The story at the heart of Netflix’s intriguing mini-series ‘Eric’, spans across six episodes, illustrating a compelling plot that ties together diverse character backstories. Known for his impressive performance in ‘The Imitation Game’, Benedict Cumberbatch takes the center stage as Vincent, a reckless puppeteer dealing with the eerie disappearance of his young son, Edgar.

Making waves in the narrative is queer actor McKinley Belcher III, who fills the shoes of character Michael Ledroit, a queer detective in New York City. With the responsibility of solving Edgar’s missing case on his shoulders, Ledroit battles his own struggles as a Black, gay police officer during the peak of the 80s Aids epidemic. A subplot introduces audiences to Ledroit’s boyfriend William, who lives with him despite battling Aids.

The gripping storyline offers both actors an opportunity to interact and share screen space extensively, resulting in moments that Belcher found to be “refreshing”, “intriguing”, and “incredibly exciting”.

Cumberbatch’s Humble On-Screen Presence

Belcher credits much of their positive on-set dynamics to Cumberbatch’s admirable humility and passion, which he expressed while speaking to PinkNews. “I think it would be very easy for Benedict – he’s incredibly accomplished and incredibly talented – to show up with a lot of ego, but it was refreshing that he showed up as a workman in a way who was interested in rolling up his sleeves and diving into the story and collaborating.”

The actor further added, “There were so many moments on set when I look into his eyes, and I feel like anything is possible…it means I can show up and play.” This collaborative environment fueled their performances, empowering them to explore their characters even further.

Eric: An Imaginary Companion and an Inner Saboteur

Throughout the series, character Vincent grapples with mental health issues and alcoholism as he continually seeks his missing son. As the narrative unfolds, audiences meet Eric, a figment of Edgar’s imagination that visualizes as an imaginary monster puppet. Voiced by Cumberbatch himself, Eric represents Vincent’s inner critic, continually tormenting him for his perceived failures as a father.

Belcher admires how Cumberbatch interacted with the puppet character. The sheer intensity with which Cumberbatch portrayed Vincent’s dialogue with the puppet allowed Belcher to react organically, keeping the scenes alive and grounded.

Addressing Social Issues

Besides the main plot surrounding Edgar’s disappearance, ‘Eric’ also sheds light on social issues prevalent during the 80s. The series includes depictions of New York’s homelessness crisis and addresses the institutionalized racism and homophobia within the NYPD. Threading these aspects into the narrative helps uncover a deeply human story that resonates universally.

“Ultimately, we’re telling human stories and unpacking what it is to be human, and, in a way, holding up the mirror to like the world and life and saying: ‘This is us’ — either, ‘This is what we looked like, this is what we look like now, or how far we come; how far we think we’ve come,” Belcher expresses his perspective on the series.

Parallel Journeys of Self-Discovery

A surprising aspect of ‘Eric’ are the parallels drawn between Vincent’s and Ledroit’s personal journeys. Aside from differences in their roles, both characters embark on an introspective quest to self-discovery, experiencing their version of trauma along the way.

As Belcher sees it, both Vincent and Ledroit begin their journey from a place of loss, gradually finding themselves through their shared trauma. Both characters are able to free themselves from the burdens they carry, ultimately culminating in their personal metamorphosis. As Vincent reconciles with his past, he becomes a more present and loving father. Similarly, Ledroit fights past his challenges to confront the NYPD constructively, standing his ground and promoting the change he wishes to see in the world.

‘Eric’ Now Available for Streaming

The thought-provoking mini-series ‘Eric’ is now available for streaming on Netflix. Brought to life by remarkable performances by a diverse cast, the series offers a deep dive into poignant narratives encapsulating universal human stories.

McKinley Belcher III’s work alongside Benedict Cumberbatch is a profound illustration of empathetic storytelling that is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.

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“Netflix thriller Eric”