Film adaptation of H is for Hawk explores grief and nature
Claire Foy stars in the adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, H is for Hawk, portraying the grief-stricken academic who forms a bond with a goshawk following her father’s death. The film, while visually stunning, is critiqued for not fully capturing the depth of the emotional ordeal, reports BritPanorama.
Foy’s performance contrasts sharply with her role as Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, showcasing a character steeped in panic and turmoil as she navigates her grief. Helen’s transformation is articulated through her relationship with Mabel, the hawk, which is central to the film’s narrative. With a blend of awe and affection, Foy delivers an intimate portrayal, reflecting Helen’s turmoil through her interactions with the bird, including cooking meals with Mabel’s prey.
The story unfolds from the pages of Macdonald’s 2014 memoir, which covers her unexpected journey through grief after losing her father, Alisdair Macdonald, a distinguished photographer. The film illustrates Alisdair’s influence on Helen’s life, highlighting his adventurous spirit and reluctance to confront emotional struggles. This dynamic is pivotal; his disinclination to discuss feelings complicates Helen’s mourning process, as echoed in her mother’s insistence that he wouldn’t want them to “mope”.
As the narrative progresses, Helen’s struggle with the emotional aftermath of her father’s death leads her to obsess over goshawks, culminating in a dramatic purchase of a hawk chick. Despite the personal journey articulated on-screen, the film encounters challenges typical of memoir adaptations, particularly in conveying the interiority of Helen’s experience. Scenes depicting her descent into isolation, neglecting basic care, and attempting to connect with Mabel reflect both her emotional state and the need for companionship from the hawk.
The film captures a visual splendor through the cinematography of Charlotte Bruus Christensen, with sequences showcasing the hawk’s fierce beauty. However, critiques arise regarding the film’s emotional resonance, likening it to a wildlife documentary rather than an intimate exploration of grief. The screenplay, co-written by Philippa Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue, at times falters, oscillating between heavy-handed exposition and a lack of depth in exploring the wilderness that mirrors Helen’s turmoil.
H is for Hawk attempts to deliver a narrative of grief and healing through nature, yet may leave viewers seeking a deeper engagement with the emotional complexities that the source material presents.
In cinemas now
