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H Is for Hawk (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

H Is for Hawk (2026) movie poster

H Is for Hawk is a 2026 drama directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, starring Claire Foy as Helen, Brendan Gleeson and Lindsay Duncan. It is based on H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$3M
Echo Score
76
Metascore
63
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H Is for Hawk (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 54m (114 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is H Is for Hawk About?

The premise of H Is for Hawk without spoilers, adapted from H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

H is for Hawk follows Helen (Claire Foy) after the sudden death of her father (Brendan Gleeson). Immersed in memories of their birding trips, she turns to the ancient art of falconry, training a wild goshawk named Mabel to confront her grief and seek a path forward. The quiet visuals echo her pain, and Mabel’s presence hints at healing.

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Cast & crew

H Is for Hawk Cast & Characters

Claire Foy leads the cast as Helen, with Brendan Gleeson as Dad and Lindsay Duncan as Mum. Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in H Is for Hawk

· 16 more
From the director

More from Philippa Lowthorpe

More films directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, best-rated first: Misbehaviour, Swallows and Amazons, Cider with Rosie and Beau Brummell: This Charming Man.

Full filmography
Ratings

H Is for Hawk Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave H Is for Hawk 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

76 /100

H Is for Hawk Echo Score Breakdown

In overall terms, the film presents a measured meditation on grief that is anchored by a striking visual presentation and a standout central performance. Critics and viewers alike note the beauty of the cinematography and the emotional depth conveyed by the lead actress. However, the narrative’s deliberate pacing and repetitive structure lead several reviewers to describe it as stagnant. Consequently, the movie offers a compelling artistic experience that may appeal to audiences tolerant of its slow storytelling.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    Regarding art and craft, the direction and cinematography are consistently praised for their lyrical depiction of the hawk and natural settings, often captured in sustained long takes. Editing maintains a measured rhythm that supports the film’s contemplative tone, though some critics note a lack of narrative incidents that can diminish momentum. Overall, the visual and technical execution remains a strong component.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    In terms of character and emotion, Claire Foy’s performance is highlighted as nuanced and deeply resonant, with many reviewers citing her restrained yet expressive portrayal of grief. Supporting actors, particularly Brendan Gleeson, provide complementary chemistry that enriches the interpersonal dynamics. While a minority mention limited character development, the consensus underscores strong acting as the film’s core strength.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Concerning story and flow, the plot centers on a personal journey through loss, which many find thematically compelling. Nonetheless, the film’s deliberate pacing and repetition of emotional beats lead several critics to describe the narrative as stagnant or overly contemplative. This mixed reception reflects a balance between thoughtful exploration and a perceived deficit in dramatic momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    Regarding sensory experience, reviewers consistently commend the film’s lush visual palette and the intimate sound design that captures hawk calls and natural ambience. The soundtrack is noted for enhancing the melancholic tone. Conversely, some view the aesthetic as too subdued, likening it to a documentary that lacks visceral intensity. Overall, the sensory elements contribute positively to the film’s mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    The rewatch factor is divided: audiences who connect with the film’s meditative pace and emotional honesty describe it as lingering and rewarding on subsequent viewings. In contrast, viewers finding the pacing sluggish regard it as a one‑time experience. This split perception yields a moderate score, indicating that repeat enjoyment depends largely on personal tolerance for slow, contemplative storytelling.

Plot

H Is for Hawk Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in H Is for Hawk from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald Claire Foy confronts grief after the sudden death of her father Brendan Gleeson and makes a bold choice to train a female goshawk named Mabel as a way to endure the loss. The film threads together two core strands: a personal journey through mourning and the demanding, meticulous world of falconry, where patience, precision, and presence are everything.

Full summary

The whole story of H Is for Hawk, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

H Is for Hawk Box Office

H Is for Hawk grossed $3 million worldwide. $342,239 came from the US and Canada and $2.7 million (89%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$3M

US & Canada
$342.2K
International
$2.7M
US & Canada 11% Rest of the world 89%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know H Is for Hawk?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actress portrays Helen Macdonald in the film?

Seen H Is for Hawk?

FAQ

H Is for Hawk FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of H Is for Hawk, each answered in a sentence.

How long is H Is for Hawk?

H Is for Hawk runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).

When was H Is for Hawk released?

H Is for Hawk was released on January 23, 2026.

Who directed H Is for Hawk?

H Is for Hawk was directed by Philippa Lowthorpe.

More films by Philippa Lowthorpe

Who is in the cast of H Is for Hawk?

H Is for Hawk stars Claire Foy as Helen, Brendan Gleeson as Dad and Lindsay Duncan as Mum, among 20 credited actors.

How much did H Is for Hawk make at the box office?

H Is for Hawk grossed $3 million worldwide ($342,239 domestic, $2.7 million international).

How is H Is for Hawk rated?

H Is for Hawk has 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic.

Is H Is for Hawk based on a book?

Yes. H Is for Hawk is adapted from H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald.

Does H Is for Hawk have a post-credit scene?

No. H Is for Hawk has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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