Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-burn British drama about finding purpose after loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
H Is for Hawk
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In H IS FOR HAWK, Helen (Claire Foy) is a Cambridge University professor whose world is shaken by the sudden death of their photojournalist father (Brendan Gleeson). An experienced falconer, they set their sights on the challenge of training a goshawk they name Mabel—which means "loveable," even though Mabel's stubborn personality proves anything but. As Helen becomes more dedicated to their bird, other aspects of their life start to slip away. But there's something about the connection to nature and freedom that Mabel brings, which begins to bring about Helen's healing.
Is It Any Good?
Stunning panoramas of the British countryside and reverent shots of the titular hawk make this poignant story feel as much a nature documentary as it is a heartfelt drama. Feathers illuminated by sunlight and wild flights across still, open fields portray a respect and admiration for the power of beauty and nature in H Is for Hawk. Foy is on-screen for the majority of the two-hour runtime, and offers an emotionally raw but understated performance as someone who's lost their way amid unbearable grief. It's their connection with their hawk, Mabel, that helps them deal with their loss of purpose and direction, as well as the realities of death, as Mabel stalks and hunts through the local fields. With the central loss happening early on, much of Helen's relationship with their beloved father is portrayed through flashbacks, where the impact of his presence in their life is made acutely clear. There isn't a neat, happy ending here, but viewers witness a character working through their trauma in a very real, sometimes uncomfortable way, made all the more poetic and impactful through its connection with nature and the idea of wildness and freedom beyond societal norms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of loss in H Is for Hawk. How did the film portray Helen's loss of their father and the impact it has on them? What did Helen's connection with Mabel, the hawk, offer during that time?
What were some of the signs that Helen was struggling? What did Helen's loved ones notice about their life that implied they might need help? Where might you turn if you or someone you care about is experiencing depression?
Mabel the hawk is a strong presence throughout the movie. How was she portrayed? Did you learn anything about goshawks? Can you think of other movies where birds or other animals are central characters? How do they compare?
Discuss the use of strong language in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How was smoking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 23, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : February 24, 2026
- Cast : Claire Foy , Brendan Gleeson , Denise Gough
- Director : Philippa Lowthorpe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Lesbian Movie Writer(s) , Non-Binary Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Book Characters
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language, and smoking
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
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