"Review of 'H Is for Hawk': Claire Foy and Her Avian Companion Soar in a Lengthy and Emotional Depiction of Grief"
In the heart-wrenching film 'H Is for Hawk', directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and co-written by Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue, we follow the story of Helen, a character portrayed by Claire Foy with an exceptional performance.
Helen, a photojournalist's daughter named Alisdair Macdonald, is left to grapple with her grief following her father's death. Her fixation on a goshawk named Mabel and the natural landscapes she inhabits becomes an unusual coping mechanism.
The cinematographer, Charlotte Bruus Christensen, captures Mabel and the surrounding landscapes with a sense of reverence, making the goshawk a magnetic presence on screen. With captivating eyes, feathers, and movements, Mabel serves as a symbol of death, nature, and the human emotional experience, but her true nature remains a mystery.
As Helen's bond with Mabel deepens, we see her neglecting her job, social life, and relationships with friends and family. Flashbacks of Helen and her father are interspersed throughout the film, serving as reminders of their bond and happier times.
Helen's character dates a handsome art dealer named Amar, whom she meets on Twitter. However, their relationship ends, and it does not seem to be the primary cause of her emotional breakdown.
'H Is for Hawk' is based on Helen Macdonald's memoir of the same title. The script by Lowthorpe and Donoghue is particularly well-observed in depicting the oddities of mourning. Repetitive scenes and ideas slow down the film's emotional momentum, but they also emphasise the cyclical nature of grief.
The movie is an appreciation of birds and our connection to them. It's a poignant exploration of loss, healing, and the power of companionship, whether it's with a human or a goshawk named Mabel. Claire Foy delivers an outstanding performance, capturing Helen's stiff-upper-lip repression and inner turmoil with authenticity and depth.
With a run time of 128 minutes, 'H Is for Hawk' is a thought-provoking and moving film that offers a unique perspective on grief and healing. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound and emotional cinematic experience.
