H Is For Hawk (2025) is a British biographical drama about grief and falconry. The film is directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and co-written by Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue.
Claire Foy stars as Helen Macdonald, with Brendan Gleeson as her father, Alisdair Macdonald, and Denise Gough among the supporting cast.
The core of H Is For Hawk revolves around Helen Macdonald’s struggle to cope with the sudden and devastating loss of her beloved father, Alisdair Macdonald. Already a reserved individual, Helen finds her world shattered and retreats into a deep state of isolation and grief.
To navigate this overwhelming sorrow, she turns to the ancient art of falconry, a passion she shared with her father in her childhood. She acquires and undertakes the intensely demanding task of training a wild, temperamental Goshawk named Mabel. This process becomes both a distraction and a potent, often challenging, mirror for her own emotional state.
As Helen dedicates herself to taming the fierce bird, she is simultaneously forced to confront her unaddressed grief and the ways in which she has neglected her own life. What begins as a desperate act of endurance transforms into an intimate and moving journey of healing and emotional renewal, with the hawk acting as both a catalyst and a symbol for her own wildness and eventual freedom.
The film premiered at Telluride on August 29, 2025, and begins wider release in early 2026 via Roadside Attractions (US) and Lionsgate (UK).
H Is For Hawk Age Rating
H Is For Hawk is rated PG-13 for some strong language and smoking. The MPAA designation notes minimal but noticeable adult language and depictions of cigarette use. This rating suggests parental guidance for viewers under 13, due to emotional intensity and mature themes.
Violence & Peril
Physical violence is minimal and rarely shown on screen. Peril comes from tense, naturalistic falconry scenes and emotional distress. A few sequences show dangerous bird-handling moments that may unsettle sensitive viewers. The atmosphere is quiet, contemplative, and often tense rather than action-driven.
Language
Language is limited but includes occasional strong words. Swear words appear sporadically in moments of grief and anger. There are no frequent profanities that drive the film’s tone. Racial slurs or targeted derogatory language are not a known concern.
Mature Themes
The film centers on bereavement, isolation, and mental anguish. Themes include depression, single-minded obsession, and the long work of emotional recovery. Smoking appears on screen and is part of character portrayal. Sexual content is absent or minimal; any intimate moments are implied and brief.
Is H Is For Hawk Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film’s central focus on deep grief and intense emotional scenes may be confusing or upsetting for preteens. The contemplative pacing and mature subject matter make this film best for older viewers.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens may follow the story and benefit from context, but parents should watch with them. Expect conversations about loss, coping, and boundaries around handling wild animals.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can generally handle the material and find value in the film’s themes. Encourage discussion afterward about healthy grief processing and respect for nature.
Final recommendation: Suitable for most viewers aged 16 and up. Younger teens may watch with an involved parent who can frame the subject matter.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first if possible: preview the film to judge your child’s emotional readiness for complex grief scenes.
- Prepare a short conversation: explain that the movie focuses on mourning and recovery through falconry.
- Discuss safety and boundaries: use the falconry scenes to talk about respecting animals and not imitating risky behavior.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the MPAA rating for H Is For Hawk?
A: The film is rated PG-13 for some strong language and smoking.
Q: Is H Is For Hawk appropriate for kids or teens?
A: Not for younger children. Older teens may watch with guidance; ages 16+ are generally comfortable.
Q: Are there any scary or violent scenes?
A: No graphic violence. The film contains tense falconry moments and emotional distress.
Q: Does the film use strong language or slurs?
A: Occasional strong language appears. There are no reports of racial slurs.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Sexual content is absent or minimal and only implied briefly.
Q: When and where will the film be released?
A: Lionsgate has scheduled the UK and Ireland theatrical release of H Is For Hawk for January 23, 2026.