Front Row Actor Claire Foy on her role in H Is For Hawk
Jan 21, 2026
Claire Foy, the award-winning actress known for her role in The Crown, dives deep into her portrayal of a grieving academic in the film adaptation of H Is for Hawk. She discusses the emotional complexities of grief, her experience learning falconry, and the bond she formed with a goshawk. Foy also highlights the importance of female friendship in the story and reflects on how her personal history shapes her perspective on life and death. Her insights into working with Brendan Gleeson add warmth to her narrative.
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Compelled By The Memoir
- Claire Foy says reading the memoir made taking the role feel inevitable for her.
- She felt the book's intimacy would let the film reach people who are lonely in grief.
Grief As Proportionate Response
- Foy frames Helen's behaviour as proportionate to a seismic personal loss rather than performative grief.
- The film shows grief as messy, non-therapised choices that ultimately help recovery.
Instant Onscreen Rapport
- Foy recounts quickly forming a warm, open rapport with Brendan Gleeson on set.
- She says his natural warmth made him uniquely right to play Helen's father.
