H is for Hawk, adapted from Helen Macdonald’s celebrated 2014 memoir, delves into the profound themes of grief and self-discovery. The narrative centers on an academic, portrayed by Claire Foy, who grapples with the sudden loss of their father, a journey that is deeply personal for Macdonald, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. In the wake of their father’s unexpected death, the protagonist embarks on an unconventional path of healing by training a young goshawk, a challenge that reflects both the difficulty of the raptor and their emotional turmoil.
Co-written by director Philippa Lowthorpe and acclaimed novelist Emma Donoghue, known for works like Room, the film seamlessly interweaves the stunning landscapes of Cambridge with Macdonald’s intense psychological exploration. Foy’s performance as Macdonald is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the rawness of grief while also depicting a journey towards understanding and resilience. Brendan Gleeson stars alongside Foy as Alisdair Macdonald, the esteemed British photographer whose legacy looms large in the story.
The film offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant experience, encapsulating the duality of the natural world and the turbulent inner landscapes that accompany profound loss. As audiences engage with this heartfelt adaptation, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences of grief and recovery, making the film not just a personal story, but a universal exploration of human emotion.