Two-time Emmy-winner Claire Foy (“The Crown”) gave an excellent performance as Janet Armstrong, Neil Armstrong’s first wife, in Damien Chazelle’s 2018 drama “First Man”. Foy’s work earned her Golden Globe, Critics Choice and BAFTA nominations, and she should’ve been on the Oscar ballot as well.
Roadside and Lionsgate just released Foy’s new film, “H Is for Hawk”, for a one-week, qualifying theatrical run, hoping to get her back in the awards conversation. But with a crowded Best Actress competition this year, I don’t think Foy’s middle-of-the-road performance as university professor Helen Macdonald will be a contender.
Following the 2007 death of Helen’s father Alisdair (a well-respected press photographer, played by Brendan Gleeson), Helen decides to purchase a Goshawk (named Mabel) and train her for hunting. Foy provides a few ‘fun facts’ about hawks, and the first couple scenes of her and Mabel getting acquainted are compelling. But the uniqueness quickly fade away as the story drags on and on.
“H Is for Hawk” was in desperate need of editing. This is a rather tedious and repetitive experience, with about 15-20 minutes of footage that could’ve been cut. Writer Emma Donoghue penned the moving “Room” and “The Wonder”. “H Is for Hawk” is surface-level in comparison, with little new to say on grief (and little at all on depression). There’s some commentary on animal care / nature’s ecosystem during Helen’s speaking engagement in the third act — a scene that at least has some energy — but the material is blatantly shoved-in.
Director Philippa Lowthorpe (of one of the best movies of 2020, the star-studded dramedy “Misbehaviour”) relies on extreme close-ups. The flashbacks to Foy and Gleeson don’t have much punch. And frankly, I would’ve been much more interested in focusing on Alisdair’s photography career. A scene towards the end shows-off some of his fascinating work.
As much as I was rooting for “H Is for Hawk” to soar, it never reaches great heights.
LCJ GRADE: C-
“H Is for Hawk” will open nationwide on January 23rd. Running Time: 120 min.