Imagine losing the person you love most in the world. The grief can feel unbearable, a crushing weight that threatens to consume you. But what if, in your darkest hour, you found solace in the most unexpected of places – the untamed spirit of a hawk? That's the powerful story at the heart of 'H Is for Hawk,' now brought to life on the big screen.
Alisdair Macdonald was a remarkable man. A celebrated British photojournalist, he spent years capturing iconic images for the Daily Mirror, including documenting the legendary Beatles. But beyond his professional achievements, he was a passionate falconer and, most importantly, a beloved father. His sudden passing in 2007 left a gaping hole in the life of his child, writer Helen Macdonald (who identifies as non-binary). The shock and grief were profound.
In 2014, Macdonald channeled that raw emotion into a deeply moving memoir, "H Is for Hawk." It's a story about loss, healing, and the unexpected connection forged with a young Eurasian goshawk named Mabel. Inspired by their father's love of falconry, Macdonald embarked on a journey to train this magnificent bird, hoping to find a way to navigate their grief. The book resonated deeply with readers, becoming a bestseller and earning prestigious accolades like the Samuel Johnson Prize and the Costa Book of the Year award.
Now, almost two decades after Alisdair Macdonald's death, his story, along with Helen's and Mabel's, is gracing cinemas. Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, known for her nuanced storytelling, and adapted for the screen by Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue, the acclaimed author of "Room," the film stars Claire Foy as Helen. But here's where it gets controversial... casting a hawk to play Mabel must have been a unique challenge! The film also features the talents of Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, and Lindsay Duncan.
The official synopsis paints a vivid picture: "'H Is for Hawk' follows Helen (Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father (Brendan Gleeson), finds herself adrift in memories of their shared love for birding and the natural world. Seeking solace, she turns to the ancient art of falconry, rooted in European tradition, and begins training a wild goshawk named Mabel to cope with her profound loss. But as she teaches Mabel to hunt and fly free, Helen confronts the emotional neglect she has inflicted upon herself. What begins as a means of survival evolves into a deeply personal journey of resilience and healing."
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to positive buzz. David Ehrlich of IndieWire noted that the film truly shines during the scenes where Helen is training Mabel. He observed, "The bond doesn’t form overnight... there’s a visceral thrill to the undeniable fact of what Foy is doing." He highlights the dedication Foy brought to the role, even undergoing extensive training. And this is the part most people miss... the film isn’t just about grief; it's about the shared vulnerability between human and animal, a concept that can be easily overlooked.
Roadside Attractions will release "H Is for Hawk" in December for a limited one-week qualifying run, followed by a nationwide release on January 23, 2026.
What do you think? Can a connection with nature truly heal the deepest wounds of grief? Does the portrayal of grief in film resonate with your own experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
