H is for Hawk

(12A) 1 hour 55 minutes
Director: Philippa Lowthorpe
Cast: Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, Denise Gough
Read the BBFC report here

Helen Macdonald’s life falls apart when her father Alisdair dies suddenly of a heart attack. Feeling like Alisdair was the only person who ever understood her, Helen’s heavy grief results in her withdrawing further and further from her working and social lives.

Having shared with her dad an interest in birds, Helen adopts a goshawk, who she names Mabel. Through her time training and living with Mabel, Helen learns that she cannot run from her grief, but must learn to navigate her emotions so she can continue to live her life without Alisdair.

Adapted from Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson star in this candid drama about grief and human connection. Foy has received praise for her powerfully moving performance.

“balances bruising candour about mental health issues against arresting wildlife photography and a fervent appreciation of the natural world” Screen International

“boasts two brilliant lead performances — a magnificent Foy and an even more majestic Mabel” Empire

“Claire Foy is tremendously authentic in eccentric grief drama” The Guardian

12A: infrequent strong language, drug misuse, injury detail, sex references