I loved the book H is for Hawk (see my review here) but somehow watching a movie, rather than reading a memoir, means that you are rather more judgemental because you are viewing from the outside. I found Macdonald’s grief as interpreted through Claire Foy completely convincing but also indulgent. Children are meant to bury their parents: the real tragedy is when it happens the other way around. I just wanted to shake her and tell her how lucky she was: to have her own health, a career in front of her that other people would give their eye-teeth for, a loving family and a very good friend. That very good friend, played by Irish actor Denise Gough was excellent- she actually nailed an Australian accent. The acting depicting a mental breakdown was excellent, but I found myself losing patience with the main character: something I didn’t do in the book.
My rating: 3.5- 4 out of 5
The Resident Judge of Port Phillip 