We all choose to deal with grief in different ways. One path is to throw oneself into the activities once shared with the person that we’ve lost. That’s the journey Claire Foy takes in the new film, H is for Hawk, as her character immerses herself in nature and a love of falconry to deal with the death of a loved one.
Except, H is for Hawk is no fictional tale. It’s based on the 2014 memoir by Helen Macdonald, who wrote about their bond with Mabel the goshawk that helped them heal following the sudden death of their father in 2007.
The film is directed by Philippa Lowthorpe who co-wrote the script with Room and The Wonder author, Emma Donoghue. Lowthorpe worked with Foy previously on The Crown.
Also in the cast are Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, and Lindsay Duncan.
SYNOPSIS: H is for Hawk follows Helen (Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father (Gleeson), loses herself in the memories of their time birding and exploring the natural world together and turns the ancient art of falconry—rooted in European tradition—training a wild goshawk named Mabel to navigate her profound loss. But as she teaches Mabel to hunt and fly free, Helen discovers how deeply she has neglected her own emotions and life. What begins as an act of endurance transforms into an intimate journey of resilience and healing.
After opening for a one-week qualifying run in December, Roadside Attractions will release H is for Hawk in theaters January 23rd 2026.
