The Crown icon stars in first look at ‘moving’ new drama | Films | Entertainment

A film hailed an “unconventional yet moving grief drama” by Variety is coming to cinemas soon.

Based on Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, the film follows Helen, a woman grieving after the death of her father, Alisdair Macdonald (played by Brendan Gleeson).

Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, Emma Cunniffe and Arty Froushan have also been cast in the film.

The movie in question, H is for Hawk, will be in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 23, 2026 and a new trailer has been released.

Knocked sideways by grief, Helen reminisces about the times she and her father explored the natural world together.

She becomes obsessed with the idea of training her own goshawk, and so Mabel is introduced.

The synopsis continues: “As she labours to tame Mabel, a grieving Helen undergoes an untaming of her own.

“A record of a spiritual journey, H is for Hawk is a story about memory and nature and how it might be possible to reconcile death with life and love.”

The drama has already garnered positive reviews after its premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in August, and has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%.

Geek Vibes Nation praised the lead cast, saying: “Foy’s emotionally resonant performance is a genuine depiction of grief, while Gleeson anchors the movie with his tender and engaging acting.”

Next Best Picture added: “Whatever one makes of the title, Claire Foy’s performance alone is reason enough to see it.

“She soars in a role that proves once again why she is among the finest actors working today.”

The Hollywood Reporter concluded: “As an appreciation of birds and our connection to them, it’s engrossing and endearing — a fresher take, certainly, than yet another weepie about dog or cat owners.

“But as an exploration of grief, it’s hindered by a 128-minute run time.”

H is for Hawk arrives in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 23.