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H is for Hawk film image; woman looking at a hawk perched on her arm

H is for Hawk

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Based on naturalist Helen MacDonald’s memoir (and scripted by Emma Room Donoghue), H is for Hawk follows Helen (Claire Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father (Brendan Gleeson), loses herself in the memories of their time birding and exploring the natural world, and turns to the ancient art of falconry, 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.

Claire Foy is exceptional throughout in a project that frequently requires her to share the frame with a beady-eyed, sharp-clawed killer and, crucially, to convey a combination of awestruck admiration and stultifying terror.

Kevin Maher, The Times

Foy is terrific in a film which balances bruising candour about mental health issues against arresting wildlife photography and a fervent appreciation of the natural world.

Wendy Ide, Screen International

Director

Philippa Lowthorpe

Cast

Claire Foy, Brendan Gleason, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, Lindsay Duncan

Credits
Country of Origin

UK/USA

Year

2025

Language

English

19+
114 min

Book Tickets

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Credits

Producer

Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

Screenwriter

Emma Donoghue, Philippa Lowthorpe

Cinematography

Charlotte Bruus Christensen

Editor

Nico Leunen

Original Music

Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch

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