Grief can be a labyrinth, and sometimes the most unexpected guides lead us through it. But what if that guide is a fierce bird of prey? This is the heart of H Is for Hawk, a story that’s as much about healing as it is about the wild, unyielding bond between a human and a hawk. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the bird—it’s about the profound journey of self-discovery that unfolds along the way.
Renowned British photojournalist Alisdair Macdonald was a man of many talents: a longtime fixture at the Daily Mirror, a celebrated chronicler of The Beatles, and a respected falconer. But to his child, the writer Helen Macdonald (who identifies as non-binary), he was simply a beloved father. When Alisdair passed away suddenly in 2007, Helen was devastated. Their grief became the catalyst for a memoir that would captivate the world.
In 2014, Helen published H Is for Hawk, a raw and deeply moving account of their struggle with loss. The book chronicles how, inspired by their father’s passion for falconry, Helen adopted and trained a young Eurasian goshawk named Mabel. This wasn’t just a hobby—it was an attempt to mend a broken heart through the ancient art of falconry. The memoir was an instant sensation, winning prestigious awards like the Samuel Johnson Prize and the Costa Book of the Year. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a wild creature truly help us confront our own humanity? Helen’s story suggests it’s possible—but it’s not without its challenges.
Now, nearly two decades after Alisdair’s passing, this powerful tale has made its way to 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 official synopsis captures its essence: ‘H Is for Hawk’ follows Helen (Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father, immerses herself in memories of their shared love for nature and falconry. As she trains Mabel, a wild goshawk, Helen navigates her grief, only to realize how much she’s neglected her own life. What starts as an act of endurance becomes a transformative journey of resilience and healing.
The film premiered at Telluride in September, where critic David Ehrlich praised its portrayal of the bond between Helen and Mabel. He noted, ‘The film comes alive during the scenes of Helen training Mabel—a process that’s as much about trust as it is about survival. Claire Foy’s performance is visceral, capturing the tension and thrill of working with a creature as unpredictable as a hawk.’ Ehrlich’s comparison of Foy’s dedication to that of Tom Cruise or Werner Herzog underscores the raw intensity of her portrayal.
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. The first trailer is already generating buzz, offering a glimpse into this unique story of loss, love, and the unexpected ways we find our way back to ourselves.
But here’s the question that lingers: Can a relationship with a wild animal truly teach us about our own humanity? And if so, what does that say about the boundaries between humans and nature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to take flight.
