Considering this film was put together by a newb director and writer, specifically the screenplay, it wasn't a bad adaptation, rookie mistakes and all.
The main issues were the slow pacing and overstuffed 125 runtime based on the screenplay's minimalistic substance. The book had more in-depth characters, plotting and setting, while the writing and directing here felt too clean, too polished and lacked enthusiasm and punch. That rendered it a little bland, predictable, and uninspiring. There were many lost opportunities to get dark, grimy and edgy, which is what this story really needed.
However, the cinematography and score were on point, and the casting and performances were decent, especially Daisy Edgar-Jones. I feel the film critics were way too hard on this one, because I still enjoyed it, and I've read the book. If you haven't read the novel and you can be patient, this mystery-romance film is a great one-time watch.
The main issues were the slow pacing and overstuffed 125 runtime based on the screenplay's minimalistic substance. The book had more in-depth characters, plotting and setting, while the writing and directing here felt too clean, too polished and lacked enthusiasm and punch. That rendered it a little bland, predictable, and uninspiring. There were many lost opportunities to get dark, grimy and edgy, which is what this story really needed.
However, the cinematography and score were on point, and the casting and performances were decent, especially Daisy Edgar-Jones. I feel the film critics were way too hard on this one, because I still enjoyed it, and I've read the book. If you haven't read the novel and you can be patient, this mystery-romance film is a great one-time watch.