H is for Hawk: A Raw Exhibit of Loss and Grief (Early Review)

Adapted from Helen Macdonald’s 2014 memoir of the same name, Philippa Lowthorpe’s H is for Hawk is a tender recount of the loss of Helen’s father, incorporating the extensive grief that follows, along with the adoption of a goshawk as a means to cope with this bereavement. Led by an emotionally nuanced performance from Claire Foy, the film sears into Macdonald’s (Foy) relationship with their father Alisdair (Gleeson), as audiences flash through these meaningful memories with endearment, without heightening to emotional melodrama.

Capturing our brief moments of comfort with Gleeson’s depiction of earnest Alisdair are promptly followed by Foy’s raw, bone-chilling portrayal as Helen answers the phone to devastating news. Known as an esteemed photojournalist, Alisdair Macdonald lives on through a mix of thought-provoking photography and Helen’s memories that encapsulate the life cherishing moments that are worth remembering from the passing of a loved one. Foy’s excellent expression through Helen’s emotional catatonia immensely keeps the film grounded in realism, elevating the accurate portrayal of grief that writers Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue adapt to the screen.

Reflections on their time together, combined with Alisdair’s capture of beautiful photography, allow Helen to become connected to their father, adopting a goshawk named Mabel as part of the grieving process. Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch’s soothing score aligns with Lowthorpe’s portrait of patience, allowing Helen the time to grieve as well as meticulously train this goshawk throughout this difficult time. Helen’s challenge in rigorously training the hawk and the struggle to cope with their father’s loss blur together, as the Hawk not only provides a means to cope but a representation of the effect of loss on friends and family.

Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen’s minimalist approach to capturing Helen’s deepened isolation with the hawk reinforces the social stigma that is important to address around navigating a grieving individual. While serving as a coping mechanism, Lowthorpe showcases Mabel as a symbol of grief that leaves family, friends, and strangers hesitant about dealing with complex circumstances outside their comfort zone. Unfortunately, these individuals become comfortable with their routines, so it is better for them to act dismissively or ignore the situation entirely instead of providing real help to a grieving person. Christensen’s camera work excels best at capturing the hawk’s hunting skills at work, emulating the type of profound visual imagery that would make Alisdair proud.

While his legacy will be remembered as a distinguished photojournalist – which includes documenting the Beatles at the height of their career, Lowthorpe wisely withdraws these elements. This allows audiences to remember Alisdair how Helen would have liked – as an incredible father. Gleeson’s wholesome charm augments this earnest father figure, quickly letting us attach to this heartfelt relationship while also relating deeply to Helen’s loss. Occasionally flashing back throughout the film, Gleeson delivers each line of important wisdom with immense comfort and joy to emphasize Helen’s appreciation of every moment remembered from their time together.

Overall, H is for Hawk is a profoundly raw showcase of grief – patiently recounting the loss of Helen Macdonald’s father and their adoption of a hawk as a means to cope with it. Minimalist camera work and a soothing score thoroughly display Helen’s difficulty with immense care – exhibiting the hawk not just as a distraction but a representation of the unwarranted social stigma that comes with aiding a grieving individual. Led by Claire Foy’s layered performance, the film offers a serviceable recount of Helen’s memoir, and one that honors Alisdair Macdonald’s memory as a remarkable father.

still courtesy of Roadside Attractions

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Costa Christoulas

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