Claire Foy talks “emotionally exhausting” H Is for Hawk role, playing queens, and why she must be in a “grief phase”

by

Claire Foy is exceptional at portraying the classic British reserve. While many viewers first noticed her subtle strength in the BBC’s Wolf Hall, it was her role as a young Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown that truly made her a star.

In the new movie H Is for Hawk, based on Helen Macdonald’s 2014 memoir, Carey Mulligan portrays a quiet university scholar who trains a goshawk after her father passes away.

You spend much of H Is for Hawk with a goshawk on your arm. Was that a daunting prospect?

I was really anxious! Goshawks are notoriously difficult birds to work with. Our trainers, Rose and Lloyd Buck, warned me I was bound to get scratched – that’s what ‘footed’ means – because apparently, every goshawk has injured a falconer at some point. Our director, Philippa Lowthorpe, had to reassure the insurance company that wouldn’t happen! I did end up getting scratched, but it wasn’t until the very last shot, and it was by Jess, the bird we least expected to do it. It felt like her little farewell.

What was it like acting with the goshawks?

All the scenes involving the birds were made up on the spot. There were even a couple where the bird pooped while I was talking to it, and I had to react in the moment. Surprisingly, I found that more liberating than improvising with another actor. It was actually easier!

The film is a study of grief and depression. Was it challenging?

Dealing with strong emotions is draining, but it can also make you feel incredibly vibrant and engaged with life. I believe this is especially true with genuine grief. It can push you to experience life more fully and express yourself more openly. I’ve never viewed these intense feelings as something negative or a hardship; I’ve never thought, ‘I wish I didn’t have to feel so much.’

Helen actually hardly cries. Did that feel more authentic?

I was drawn to the idea of showing an internal struggle. We tend to assume someone’s outward behavior reflects what they’re feeling inside, but it’s often the reverse. While these situations are frequently depicted as overly dramatic, most people actually try to suppress strong emotions.

You’ve starred in both First Man and All of Us Strangers, and both films deal with loss. Do you find yourself drawn to stories that explore grief?

After Wolf Hall and The Crown, were you offered many roles as a posh English woman?

Honestly, not really. There aren’t a ton of opportunities like this, and I’ve already done two! I think taking on any more would feel strange. You tend to be offered roles based on what people believe you can do. As you get older, you hope those expectations expand, rather than shrink. But who knows, maybe this is all I’ll do. I feel stuck in a rut right now and can’t seem to break free.

Your new movie is a big departure – it’s based on Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree. Is it rewarding to be part of a project your nine-year-old daughter can enjoy?

It’s fantastic! I’m especially thrilled my daughter gets to see it, as this is a first for me. It’s just lovely to be part of something so positive and heartwarming.

How would you describe The Crown’s impact on your career?

After nearly a decade of work, I finally had a breakthrough, but it felt strange because I was still unknown. It was an experience similar to being a key part of a huge movie hit. Suddenly, doors started opening, and I was offered opportunities I’d only dreamed of – it felt like the ultimate career advancement.

Is a role like that a double-edged sword in that it can define you?

Honestly, I don’t buy this whole ‘double-edged sword’ idea when it comes to iconic roles. I really don’t think Olivia Newton-John resented being forever linked to Grease – I’d wager she cherished it! Imagine if all you did was The Crown and then never worked again – that’d be tough. But for me, there’s no pressure to be anything other than what I am. I’m just showing up and doing the job, and that’s enough.

How do you feel about fame?

It’s a strange thing, realizing you’ve become known for playing a certain type of character for a decade. Honestly, it’s been a bit of a trip – sometimes beautiful, sometimes unsettling. Through it all, though, I feel like I haven’t changed. And that’s key, I think. What’s most important is holding onto who you are, protecting your core self. You really have to stay grounded and keep yourself mentally healthy when navigating something like this.

H Is for Hawk is in cinemas from Friday 23 January

H Is for Hawk is released in UK cinemas on Friday 23 January.

Authors

Stephen Kelly

Stephen Kelly is a journalist who covers culture and science. He’s the editor of the ‘Popcorn Science’ feature for BBC Science Focus, where experts each month discuss how realistic new movies and TV shows are. His work also appears in publications like The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Wired. He enjoys Studio Ghibli films, supports Tottenham Hotspur, and has a fondness for writing about himself in the third person.

Read More

2026-01-19 20:39