Grief can be a labyrinth, and sometimes the most unexpected guides lead us through it. But what if that guide was a bird of prey? This is the captivating premise of H Is for Hawk, a story that has now soared from the pages of a bestselling memoir to the silver screen. Written by Helen Macdonald, a non-binary writer grappling with the sudden loss of their father, the book chronicles their unconventional path to healing: training a young Eurasian goshawk named Mabel, inspired by their father’s passion for falconry. The memoir, a raw and deeply moving exploration of grief, resilience, and the bond between human and animal, became a phenomenon, winning the Samuel Johnson Prize and Costa Book of the Year.
And this is the part most people miss: the story’s heart isn’t just about a bird; it’s about the messy, transformative journey of confronting one’s own emotions. Now, nearly two decades after the loss that sparked it all, H Is for Hawk has been adapted into a film starring Claire Foy as Helen, with a script co-written by Philippa Lowthorpe and Room author Emma Donoghue. The movie, which premiered at Telluride, brings to life the intricate relationship between Helen and Mabel, capturing the tension, trust, and eventual harmony between them. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the film beautifully portrays Helen’s journey, it also raises questions about the ethics of falconry and the complexities of using nature as a tool for personal healing. Is it exploitation, or a profound act of connection?
The film’s synopsis hints at this duality: “Helen, after her father’s sudden death, loses herself in memories of their shared love for nature and falconry. As she trains Mabel, she discovers how deeply she’s neglected her own life, turning what begins as an act of endurance into a journey of resilience and healing.” Critics, like IndieWire’s David Ehrlich, have praised Foy’s performance, noting the visceral thrill of watching her navigate the challenges of falconry. Yet, the film doesn’t shy away from the awkward, often uncomfortable early stages of Helen’s relationship with Mabel, reminding us that healing is rarely linear.
Here’s a thought to ponder: In a world that often rushes us to ‘move on,’ does H Is for Hawk challenge us to embrace the slow, messy process of grief? And what does it say about our relationship with nature—are we truly partners, or merely borrowers of its power? The film, set for a December qualifying run and a nationwide release on January 23, 2026, invites us to reflect on these questions. Watch the trailer below and decide for yourself—is this a story of redemption, or a reminder of the wildness we can never fully tame? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
