Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) User Reviews

Liked it more than I should

[nickphelan-25748 · 7/10 · 22 July 2022]

Read the book. Loved it. This is not one of those reviews that says movie ruined the book. It is different in the book tho. Daisy Edgar Jones is a great actress and does nothing wrong here but is totally unlike the vision of Kya in my head. The best thing about the movie is the cinematography. With no sound this movie would be lush. The dialogue is clunky though, a lot of the supporting actors wooden particularly the love interests. The courtroom scenes are predictable. David Straitharn is great as a cut price Atticus Finch. The middle section of the movie lags and feels like a Hallmark movie , however by the end I was sucked in and left the cinema smiling.

Plot synopsis without spoilers is basically a young girl fending for herself in the marshlands is charged with murder.

Better than the mainstream reviews suggest.

Beauty

[FeastMode · 7/10 · 16 July 2022]

Beauty in words. Beauty in images. Beauty in music. Beauty in a performance. Beauty in an actress.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a well-made movie with a story and a character that keep you heavily invested. The romance aspect really works, and this is coming from a guy who doesn't normally go for romance. Pulling on your heart-strings is an understatement.

I wasn't planning on watching this movie but I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it and would watch it again. (1 viewing, opening Friday 7/15/2022)

Rushed and Surface level

[mr_bickle_the_pickle · 6/10 · 16 July 2022]

The movie condenses a lot of Kya's childhood. Which I get, you don't want a 3 hour movie. But, I feel like the character relationships suffer as they end up coming across as rushed and surface level. And with the investigation portion also condensed and some timeline changes, it makes it feel like the importance of the shell necklace is underplayed.

The movie was fine, all things considered. It seemed to really strike a chord with the audience I was in. But I think it could have been better. Feels like a movie you'd watch on Netflix and like...and then forget about it.

Beautiful and Touching

[nancyldraper · 9/10 · 16 July 2022]

By January 2022, the book had sold 12 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. Almost everyone in the theatre, yesterday afternoon, had read the book and were wondering if the movie could be as good as the book, so in my exit poll, of a dozen, or so, viewers, I asked then specifically, "Did the movie do justice to the book?" Without exception they said it had. (Although one reader thought the movie had a more definitive ending than the book.) Their ratings were 8s, 8.5s and two 10s. When I said that anything I rated over 8 would be worthy of a rewatch, it was unanimous that all of them would rewatch it, some thinking they'd like to read the book, again. So, these people, who came to see the movie, had high standards that they felt were met.

The story is simple but intriguing. There is a whole TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD vibe to it. And there is a wonderful contrast between a purity of soul living within a world of threat and danger. It was refreshing to have a film celebrate innocence. The nature shots of North Carolina are breathtaking. The casting is spot on and the performances are flawless. But the success of the film lies with the lead actor, Daisy Edgar-Jones (a very talented Brit, who earned respect for her talents in another best selling novel adaptation for television, NORMAL PEOPLE). There is a wide eyed innocence about Kya that she captures which, in turn, captivates the audience to invest in her story and her plight. (The only disconnect I had with her portrayal was not her fault but that of the production. For a swamp girl, living off the grid, her personal hygiene and wardrobe were spotless and fitted to perfection. A seemingly unlikely possibility considering her environment.) I would definitely see this film again and am tempted to buy the audible book. I give this film an enthusiastic 9 (beautiful and touching) out of 10. {Drama}

A Classic - murder mystery, romance and natural beauty of the wild

[JohnRayPeterson · 9/10 · 15 November 2022]

What classic murder mysteries inevitably must have is a 'who-done-it' which you will not guess. This story will have you ponder to be sure and when you're certain you have figured it out you are surprised not once but twice. It is the reason I call it a classic.

Not only is it a murder mystery, it is a romance drama worthy of awards. The Novel on which it is based, by Dalia Owens, was at the very top of the New York Times best sellers in 2019 and in 2020, after which it remained on the list to date. It sold over 15 million copies; that's saying something. I certainly found it very moving. The main character, Kya Clark, played oh so well by Daisy Edgar-Jones (and earlier as a child by Jojo Regina), is a unique character, much like the character Nell from the 1994 Oscar winning movie, was a unique character. Kya however is a highly developed survivalist, with so many great qualities for you to discover and like, not the least of which is her love of nature. That in itself lended the movie to great cinematographic opportunities, and it is not lacking in that; in fact it made me love the movie even more.

You may not get much from reading the IMDb storyline, but why would you want to spoil the experience; so, I'm avoiding those here. The complexities of human behaviour is explored, exposed and certainly exploited to our benefit with refreshing subtleties. Would I recommend this movie? Oh yes, absolutely.

I really enjoyed it

[lemmonsjack · 8/10 · 15 July 2022]

The critics have been slamming this movie but I thought it was good. It's not the greatest thing ever or anything like that but I thought the story was interesting and the acting was good. It kept me guessing until the end which is what a good mystery should do, so for me overall it was a good movie that I would definitely recommend.

Good and enjoyable throughout, but none of it really stood out as great.

[sbweightman · 7/10 · 22 July 2022]

A relatively straightforward story of the life of a woman who lives on the edge of society as a recluse in the marshlands. Apart from the setting, it's a familiar story which shows the events of her life and how those who don't conform are often persecuted for no good reason. Good acting and scenery and the drama is well told, although the court proceedings were a bit bland and everything seemed a bit too clean to be believable.

A gripping romantic drama.

[Anurag-Shetty · 8/10 · 19 September 2022]

Where the Crawdads Sing is based on the novel of the same name, by Delia Owens. It tells the story of Kya(Daisy Edgar-Jones). Kya who grows up alone in the woods of the deep south, is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. This is because she used to be in a relationship with the victim.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a great film. Director Olivia Newman has a done an impeccable job adapting the source material which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The emotional moments will make you tear up. The romantic elements are the highlight of the movie. The suspense is nail-biting & it's there, right till the very last scene. The cinematography by Polly Morgan is breathtaking & captures the gorgeous locales in all their glory. The main flaw is that, the romance element is quite predictable. Daisy Edgar-Jones is spectacular as Kya Clark. Taylor John Smith is brilliant as Tate Walker. Edgar-Jones & Smith have electrifying chemistry in all their scenes together. Harris Dickinson is outstanding as Chase Andrews. David Strathairn is fantastic as Tom Milton. Michael Hyatt & Sterling Macer Jr. Are perfect as Mabel & Jumpin', respectively. The supporting cast is excellent. Where the Crawdads Sing is a must watch for fans of the novel & romantic drama fans. Go & admire the unbreakable spirit of our protagonist!

Only from Hollywood...

[blum100-138-155838 · 3/10 · 27 July 2022]

Ok, the girl is ostracized by the locals because she lives alone in the marshes. She raised herself in a shack after the family leaves one by one. She's illiterate but after a few reading lessons from Prince Too Charming, she's articulate and ready to become an author of books about the local marsh critters.

Now the town considers her another marsh critter. Here's the problem; she's perfect!

She's pretty, smart, clean and has perfect teeth. Just like you'd expect from a dweller of swamps.

The 2 male jerks look like the frat boys from Animal House. Everyone is too good looking. It's such BS. I didn't buy these actors for a second. It was like a rom com without the comedy. Oh yeah, there are very clichéd courtroom scenes thrown in at random. More courtroom and less kissing DBs would have helped but not a lot.

Solid Movie

[laduke1969 · 7/10 · 15 July 2022]

I was one of 5 people who went together for this showing. 3 people read the book and 2 didn't. I did not read the book. This movie was Very good as was the the acting and visuals. The twist was well planned and fit the movie. In my opinion if you go see it not knowing what its about you will like it. If you read the book you will also like it because you can visualize what you read. If you know the ending already but didn't read the book I think you may be disappointed.

Humans & Nature...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 5 September 2022]

What would you do, if those you love deserted you, left you lost and all alone, within a swampland overgrow; only parent who can nurture, takes the name of mother nature, raises you with all the senses, that you need to form defences; as you grow you start to flower, just don't realise your power, attracting those that make you sing, attracting those that wound and sting; then you're captured in a web, of prejudice, a tidal ebb, stranded, beached, marooned and grounded, the ending may leave you confounded.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is brilliant, and gives one of her best performances to date as the marshland Mowgli Kya Clark.

Brilliant display of humanity and compassion

[jacobbriscombe · 8/10 · 19 August 2022]

This film was a great watch with an even better theme of discrimination, isolation and humanity. The performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and David Strathairn were the main strong points for me. Their relationship and his unrelenting desire to give her a good defense regardless of her ostracization and stimga she receives really showcase the hope and care we have for one another. I get a similar vibe about Strathairn as I do from Gregory Peck as Atticus in To kill a mockingbird. There are some deeper themes of abuse that run throughout and are critical for the film but I won't go into detail as I don't want to spoil anything. However there is a great twist at the end which completely changed the way you view the entire film and would make a second watch much more enjoyable. The cinematography of this film is so well done as it perfectly captures the beauty and tranquility of the marsh and it's overall vast size. The one main downside of the film is that the pacing sometimes felt needlessly slow which took away from the high stakes court case and I felt there was numerous scenes which could have been shortened and still have the same impact and exposition. Overall the film is definitely worth a watch, it definitely takes you on an emotional rollercoaster leaving you almost overwhelmed after watching it.

Splendid! We loved it.

[farmeglio · 10/10 · 15 July 2022]

It is so refreshing to have plausible people going through the travails of life without the typical superheroes and cartoon buddies coming to save everyone!

This film has a genuine plot and offers a depth to its characters that is surprising and satisfying.

An unqualified 10 stars.

Loved this Movie

[pbstarman · 9/10 · 15 July 2022]

I read the novel 4 years ago and loved it. Did I wish this movie was more suspenseful and more "gritty". Yes, tho, still the movie was well made and well acted and I ended up crying a couple times in the movie. The mood is very somber and serious. It is not a silly romantic com. It is a serious romance exhibiting serious issues of abuse and heartbreak and murder and the wrath of nature.

Skims the surface

[heathergibson89 · 6/10 · 30 December 2022]

Without reading the book you will probably enjoy what this film has to offer. Read the book and you will find that this film could have offered so much more.

The film skims only the surface of what Kya and her Marsh have to offer. The depths remain untouched, unexplored.

Kya's story is told but not felt. Her loneliness, her isolation, her survival. Her profound connection to the nature that surrounds her.

I didn't want to be disappointed. I was looking forward to the story being brought to life. I thought Kya was cast well. The images of the Marsh were beautiful. But something was missing. I didn't just want to see. I wanted to feel too.

Not Bad, Not Good

[taylor_king-890-815491 · 5/10 · 23 July 2022]

Based on a popular novel with an intriguing storyline, this could have been a smashing film if it had been constructed better. It lacks intensity by not showing the devastating results of being an abandoned child, lonely, scared and hungry. It seems to gloss over all of that, and so we miss her transformation because she's shown as always being all right. I would have loved to see a wild child as main actor exhibiting all the angst of being unloved, and then she transforms in to a strong woman.

Getting back to my headline, there is beautiful photography and a sense of nature we don't often see.

If you have read the book, dont bother watching this

[taj-nijjar2002 · 6/10 · 29 October 2022]

The title of this explains it pretty much. If you have read the book, then give watching this movie a pass. The book is legendary, but the movie pales in comparison. I personally did not like the music. I was unable to feel empathy for the Kya in the movie. Where as the Kya in the book was way more pitiable. Your heart would sink for the Kya in the book. Whereas the Kya in the movie was just "eh....". If you havent read the book, then you might rate this book a little higher than me. Had they shown a bit more about Kya's childhood, i would have given a better rating. But for me its a paltry 6.

Though, the CGI was good, and the movie looked really colorful.

Music to your ... eyes

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 23 August 2022]

First things first: I have not read the novel this is based on. Even without that knowledge, what I do know: you can never fully translate what has been written on page onto the screen (no pun intended). Even if it is only for the fantasy or what every reader made up for themselves.

That being said, the movie is flowing along nicely (no pun intended here either). The lead roles are wonderfully portrayed and we do stick with the character of Kya (Marsh Girl as many call her demeaningly). There are some instances we move away from her, which may feel like a cheat to some (again, no idea how the book is solving that), because it feels like the movie is being told by her mostly.

Which of course makes most of it "subjective" - and raises the question if we get to know what actually happened. While we are not being spoon fed all the answers, we will get answers, so fret not. The book allegedly (according to a friend of mine who read it), is more vivid when it comes to what happened. Also it resolves it differently in the end (again no pun intended).

There is quite a lot of romance and a lot of beautiful landscape we get to see too. The structure is well chosen, with back and forths - so we get the full picture of how life must have been like for our main character. Also when the final conclusion comes, we realize the answer was there all along ... and everything we have been told played a big role indeed ...

A faithful big screen adaptation

[eddie_baggins · 7/10 · 28 July 2022]

Copping a fairly decent critical drubbing from reviewers across the globe, with a Rotten Tomatoes score entrenched in the lowly 30's, Olivia Newman's high-profile adaptation of Delia Owens hugely popular novel is a surprisingly engaging and faithful imagining of the tale of The Marsh Girl and her fight to prove her innocence in a town that has long pigeonholed her into a character they believe her too be.

Capturing the time and place this story takes place in across the 1950's and 60's, Newman brings Owen's world to life in vivid fashion as we are introduced to the isolated yet beautiful world of Kya Clark, played by rising star Daisy Edgar-Jones, as the brave and determined soul learns to live in the face of insurmountable odds as her love triangle with the kindly Tate Walker and the arrogant Chase Andrews threatens to derail her life when Andrew's is found dead in the marshlands one fateful morning.

Large part romance, with sprinklings of mystery and courtroom drama thrown in for good measure, not all elements of Where the Crawdads Sing narrative work to the level you would hope for, with the courtroom scenes and some romantic interludes no better than day time soap operas, but there is enough working here to make Kya's journey one that's going to strike a chord with many, much like Owen's book managed to do over the last couple of years.

Key to the films success outside of its stunning locations and ability to bring the deep south too life before our eyes is the lead performance of Edgar-Jones, who manages to overcome some frosty at times chemistry with her male leads (with the Kings Man's Harris Dickinson feeling like a wrong choice for football star Andrews) to deliver another noteworthy performance in a career that is building before our eyes and thanks to her fine work here, the trials and tribulations of Kya's personal experiences makes for heart- wrenching and heartwarming material that is sure to please fans of the book hoping that their heroine will be given justice in this Reese Witherspoon backed feature.

Unlikely to ever be regarded as a classic adaptation of a divisive yet undeniably gripping book, Newman's film is far better than its been given credit for by the critical realm, who seemed lined up with their pitchforks well before they had even laid eyes on this drama that features one of recent memories most memorable protagonists.

Final Say -

Working more often than not, Where the Crawdads Sing is a faithful and well-shot version of Delia Owen's hugely popular book and provides justice to a fictional character that is one of the most intriguing literary creations of modern times.

3 1/2 birthday cakes out of 5.

For more reviews check out Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)

Gentle girl condemned and taken advantage of amongst the South Carolina marshlands in this interesting but manipulative story.

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 2 October 2022]

To start, I have not read the book (although I enjoyed the film so much, I plan to now), my review will be based on the film with no context of the source material.

I enjoyed this film tremendously. It was heartfelt and romantic...I will say that the storyteller may be slightly manipulative as they spent the whole film building your sympathy only to present a rather horrific reality.

The overall story is about a young girl, Kya Clark, who is raised by an abusive father in the marshlands of South Carolina and whose mother and siblings abandon her. Eventually her father abandons her as well and she is left to fend for herself in the marsh at a very young age. This solitary marsh existence brings rise to rumors amongst the local townspeople which works against her when a body is found in the marsh and she is accused of murder.

There is a beautiful love story built between Tate and Kya. Tate teachers Kya to read and supports her love of nature and nature drawings...but as all good things, he goes to college leaving her with a list of publishers who might be interested in her drawings. Heartbroken over Tate leaving her, she meets the duplicitous Chase.

Her family has abandoned her, the town reviles her...there is very little kindness in Kya's world. There seem to be only three people who are truly kind to her...Mabel and Jumpin' who run the local general store and buy mussels off of Kya and thankfully Tom Milton a local lawyer.

When Kya is accused of murder, Tom Milton does an amazing job defending her...especially considering she seems very reluctant to help herself.

There is a surprise ending as well as something fairly sinister beyond the obvious...that leave the movie goer with an interesting taste in their mouth. As a romantic, I loved the romantic storyline and was willing to put up with things like...not having to worry or think about birth-control?!?!? But the true ending left a cloud of sadness for me.

I highly recommend the film...it's a wonderful story and the moral crisis is my own. The marsh was a thing of beauty and the rendered nature sketches were gorgeous in this romanticized film. As mentioned, I enjoyed the story enough that I am going to be seeking out the book to read.

Really good drama

[masonsaul · 7/10 · 27 July 2022]

Even though it definitely feels its length and the way it answers it's central mystery can be a little frustrating, Where the Crawdads Sing is still a really good drama that has performances and visuals strong enough to keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Daisy Edgar-Jones gives a terrific lead performance, conveying so much pain and heartbreak through looks alone and has solid chemistry with both love interests. David Strathairn is also memorable with a constant warmth that makes him easy to like.

Olivia Newman's direction is great, the film is consistently handsomely mounted with some particularly impressive shots. The music by Mychael Danna is good, suitably era appropriate without ever overshadowing the more dramatic moments.

Not enough focus on Kya

[mbgreen-78772 · 7/10 · 22 July 2022]

The movie was good, and it was probably better for those who didn't read the book. I found the focus to be way too much on the men in her life, then on her. She is the main character of this story, yet her life as portrayed in the movie revolved around Chase and Tate. They also left out another main character - the marsh! The book went into great detail about how Kya could disappear in the marsh, and how the gulls were her lifesaver when she was young. While the movie hinted at this, it was definitely lost on the big screen. The casting was spot on though and especially Tate's character.

I've seen better best-selling book adaptations, but I've also seen a lot worse.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 8/10 · 8 September 2022]

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.

Why is everyone so clean?

[abigailreff · 6/10 · 24 July 2022]

No way these people, especially kya, showered every day.

Give it a little grit.

Cinematography was beautiful. But the whole story was rushed and hallmark-ized. Plus the entire trial, which was full of gotcha moments in the book, was glazed over with a boredom lens. So disappointed.

Hallmarkian. No conviction

[MysteryInc_94 · 5/10 · 15 July 2022]

The themes here are under-explored, the characters are unconvincing, and the pacing was exhausting. Perhaps the worst and most immediate criticism I had while watching this film was how unconving the setting of the marsh was. It was too vibrant, lacked atmosphere, and, if I'm honest, played no significant role in the plot. It should have, but it didn't. For a gril who lives in the marsh and raised herself there, Kya is awefully clean and her face made up all the time. This is just perfect for a girl in a Hallmark story, not a girl from a marsh. She's surprisingly well adjusted for everything she's been through also. Not sure who to blame on that one as I haven't read the book. If you want brainless romance, this is for you. If you don't want to hear a courtroom full of people gasp at a bunch of dull evidence, avoid this.