The Wasteland Reviewer

H Is for Hawk (2026) Written Review

What is the best way to grieve? Life is a challenge and there will certainly be sad and uncomfortable experiences that will push you emotionally and mentally. The loss of your favorite person is one of the most traumatizing experiences you can ever go through. This is the situation that Helen (Claire Foy) finds herself in when her father (Brendan Gleeson) unexpectedly dies. The way she attempts to overcome such an affecting loss is to buy a hawk who drastically changes her life and her perspective on the world.                                  

How does director/co-writer Philippa Lowthorpe bring the memoir of Helen MacDonald to life? You might be surprised by some of the dynamic filmmaking that is highlighted in certainly scenes in H Is for Hawk. Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen and editor Nico Leunen do some magic in capturing the hunting that Mabel (the titular hawk) does throughout the film. These sequences are thrilling, engaging, and perfectly captured due to their hard work. The rest of the film has a gorgeous feeling about it. There are some strong close-ups that capture the silent dynamic between Helen and Mabel, which are essential to the impact of the film. You can feel the charming visuals as they reflect the mental state that Helen happens to be in. There are such warm and affecting shots, especially during the father/daughter memories that Lowthorpe brings to life. As Helen’ s mental state begins to spiral into depression, you can feel a darker and colder atmosphere. The film does slow at times and feels like it has lost a bit of its narrative thrust but the affecting atmosphere that Lowthorpe crafted does keep the audience (and the characters) going. 

Is the presentation of MacDonald’s story engrossing? There are some familiar broad strokes to many stories centered on grief but the element of training and bonding with a hawk certainly gives the film a bit of more personality. Helen is an interesting protagonist who is quite quirky and unique but struggles to navigate this loss. The way the film navigates her slow isolation is quite affecting and makes for one of the anchoring pieces of the film. There are some engaging character dynamics in the film that give the film a deep experience. The flashbacks that flesh out Helen and her father’s dynamic are the true standouts of the film. Helen and her friend Christina make a strong duo no matter what this slightly unfocused element of the film might seem like. The family dynamic in the wake of their patriarch’s death is quite effective and engaging, especially between Helen and her mother. The growth between Helen and Mabel is slow yet effective as this anchors the whole film. There are a few moments that feel a tad awkward or inauthentic but overall, Foy’s Helen leads the audience through what is a relatable yet tragic experience.

What are some of the added elements of H Is for Hawk that make it so affecting? Foy goes a long way in making the film so engaging. Her presence and attitude feel so unique and specific, making Helen stand out as a protagonist. We witness her struggle and failure leading to some key growth moments which feel genuine in the hands of Foy. There are some emotional moments where she delivers some genuine reactions that feel heartbreaking. Denise Gough (of Andor fame) is an excellent addition to the film as Christina, Helen’s close friend. Their dynamic is so believable, and Gough makes Christina feel like such an impactful and memorable friend character. Lindsay Duncan is Helen’s mother who balances that stiff upper lip of English folks with the genuine love and caring for her on screen daughter. There are plenty of subtle acting choices that show so much in Duncan’s character without beating the audience over the head with it. By far, the most impactful supporting turn is Gleeson (Helen’s deceased father). There is warm and energetic charisma that Gleeson just breathes into his character that is hard to deny. His chemistry with Foy is unique, specific, and charming. Despite the limited screentime, Gleeson is a lasting presence which works well to reinforce Helen’s struggle to move on. 

Does Lowthorpe have an impressive drama on her hands? MacDonald’s story is a fascinating one that explores a hyper focused motif in which she struggles to reconnect to the world and become obsessed with her new hawk companion. The filmmaking is sharp and engrossing even if it is not bigger or bolder. Foy delivers an affecting and moving central performance that deserves to get some awards consideration. Gleeson is a wonderful addition injected every so often. H Is for Hawk is a refined and poignant exploration of grief and connection.