Ep 212: Claire Foy and Philippa Lowthorpe talk H is for Hawk and the joys of messy women on screen

About this episode

Claire Foy and Philippa Lowthorpe discuss the adaptation of H is for Hawk and the complexities of portraying grief and collaboration in film.

Philippa Lowthorpe, the writer-director behind H is For Hawk, and the film’s star, Claire Foy, join Anna Smith to discuss the moving adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s hit memoir, co-starring Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan and Sam Spruell. Philippa speaks frankly to Anna about the film’s poetic embodiment of the experience of grief, which produces a story that is both powerful and inspiring. Claire and Philippa discuss the process of collaboration, and consider how the on-set dynamics allowed for an element of freedom in Claire’s performance. Claire’s embodiment of Helen is represented beautifully by Philippa, whose documentary background informed her process of capturing the moment. No film made with live, wild animals is without its challenges, and Claire and Philippa speak to Anna about the incredible experience of working with hawks on set, Claire’s own personal reflections of working with them, and the intense, ethical falconry techniques and training involved. Finally, Philippa and Claire discuss bringing the role of Helen to life in all her messy complexity with the support of the film’s producer Dede Gardner. This episode is in partnership with Lionsgate. H is…

People in this episode

Hosts: Anna Smith, Hedda Lornie Archbold

Guests: Claire Foy, Philippa Lowthorpe

Topics covered

• H is for Hawk
• grief
• messy women
• collaboration
• falconry

Keywords

• Helen Macdonald
• Brendan Gleeson
• Denise Gough
• Lindsay Duncan
• Sam Spruell
• Dede Gardner

Sponsors

Lionsgate

Mentioned in this episode

Products: H is for Hawk

Books & works: H is for Hawk

Places: UK

More episodes of Girls On Film

• Ep 220: The queer feminist horror hit of Cannes + talking gender & body image with Parno Mittra · May 27, 2026 · 49 min
• Ep 219: From Mexico to Cannes: a new film about Leonora Carrington + How to do PR at a film fest · May 8, 2026 · 37 min
• Ep 218: What does it take to make it in film? Tips and tales from Pippa Harris & Julie La’Bassiere · March 30, 2026 · 45 min
• Ep 217: International Women's Day special: inspiring female figureheads in the film industry · March 6, 2026 · 1h 11m
• Ep 216: Celebrating Creative Brilliance: Girls On Film Awards 2026 · February 16, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Ep 215: The Perfect Neighbor exclusive: director Geeta Gandbhir talks about her award-winning doc · February 9, 2026 · 22 min