Grief can be a relentless storm, but what if the path to healing lies in the talons of a wild bird? This is the extraordinary journey at the heart of 'H Is for Hawk,' a story that has captivated readers and now, thanks to a powerful new film, is set to move audiences worldwide. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: this isn’t just a tale of loss—it’s a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and nature.
At the center of this narrative is Helen Macdonald, a writer who identifies as non-binary, grappling with the sudden death of their father, Alisdair Macdonald. A celebrated British photojournalist, Alisdair was a man of many talents: a longtime staffer at the Daily Mirror, a renowned documenter of The Beatles, and a passionate falconer. His passing in 2007 left a void that Helen struggled to fill. In 2014, they channeled their grief into a memoir that would become a literary sensation: H Is for Hawk. The book, a raw and deeply moving account of their journey, chronicles how Helen adopted and trained a young Eurasian goshawk named Mabel, inspired by their father’s love for falconry. It wasn’t just a bestseller—it won prestigious awards like the Samuel Johnson Prize and Costa Book of the Year, cementing its place as a modern classic.
And this is the part most people miss: the story’s power lies not just in its emotional depth, but in its ability to challenge our perceptions of grief and healing. Is it controversial to suggest that a wild bird could teach us about ourselves? Perhaps. But Helen’s journey with Mabel forces us to confront the ways we neglect our own emotions in the face of loss. As they train Mabel to hunt and fly free, Helen discovers just how much they’ve been running from their pain—and how healing begins when we finally face it.
Now, nearly two decades after Alisdair’s passing, this story has been brought to life on the big screen. Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, with a script co-written by Lowthorpe and Room author Emma Donoghue, the film stars Claire Foy as Helen and a remarkably talented raptor as Mabel. The cast also includes Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, and Lindsay Duncan, with Brendan Gleeson portraying Alisdair. The film’s synopsis captures its essence beautifully: ‘H Is for Hawk’ follows Helen (Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father, loses herself in memories of their shared love for nature and falconry. As she trains Mabel, an act of endurance becomes a journey of resilience and self-discovery.
The film premiered at Telluride in September, where critic David Ehrlich praised its visceral impact, particularly in the scenes where Helen and Mabel build trust. Foy’s portrayal of a woman grappling with grief while handling a wild bird is nothing short of mesmerizing. Ehrlich likened it to the thrill of watching Tom Cruise perform a death-defying stunt—there’s an undeniable power in witnessing Foy’s commitment to the role.
Roadside Attractions will release H Is for Hawk in December for a one-week qualifying run, with a nationwide release set for January 23, 2026. But before you mark your calendars, here’s a thought to ponder: Can the ancient art of falconry truly heal a broken heart? Watch the trailer below and decide for yourself—but be warned, this story might just leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about grief, love, and the natural world.
