‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ is a beautiful film. I don’t think it is fair to compare the book with the film. They are two separate creative entities. Books use exposition while film uses visuals to tell the story. Interestingly, Reese Witherspoon picked the bestselling novel for her book of the month club. Her production company Hello Sunshine bought the rights to adapt it to film and the rest is history. For the film to be successful, the perfect casting is essential. Newcomer Daisy Edgar-Jones brings the lead character to life. She is mesmerizing to watch in every scene. ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ is a heartwrenching story of abandonment and survival. It is a well-crafted film that will totally exceed your expectations as it did mine.
The story wastes no time setting up a crime drama. Kya Clark (Daisy Edgar-Jones), is shunned by the locals of Barkley Cove. She is infamously known as “Marsh Girl.” She is immediately accused of a murder when a body is discovered in the marsh. She is arrested and jailed. Retired defense attorney Tom Milton (David Strathairn) plays his role reminiscent of Atticus Finch. He knows Kya when she was a young girl ostracized by the community. He does not believe she is capable of murder. He visits her at the jail and this is where the story unfolds through flashbacks.
We are transported to Kya’s family life as a young girl on the marsh. Her father was an alcoholic and abusive to his family. As she invites Milton into her life, we as the audience begin to understand Kya. There is more to this young girl than meets the eye. Her story centers on two love affairs. The first is Tate Walker (Taylor John Smith) who genuinely seems to love and protect her. He even takes the time to teach her how to read and write. The problem is that he is committed to leave the community to go to college to have a better life than his shrimp fisherman father. Kya reacts negatively to his departure since she has had a life of close family members abandoning her.
This opens the door for local rich kid Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson) to enter the picture. She’s defensive at first but his persistence leads to a relationship. The problem is that he keeps their affair a secret from his circle of friends and family. They view her as the wild “Marsh Girl.” They think that Chase is too good for her. It’s actually the opposite. Deep down you can tell that Chase knows she is too special for him. She becomes a successful naturalist that launches a book deal with a publisher. This aspect of her life is perfectly captured in the gorgeous cinematography of Polly Morgan.
The main reason ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ works so well is the incredible performance by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Where did they find this actress? There is so much truth in her character. She is cautious of people but her love of life explodes through her love of nature. When her heart breaks, you feel it too. I cannot say enough of the casting choices. Even Kya as a young girl is wonderfully played by JoJo Regina. Her relationship with local shop owners Jumpin’ (Sterling Macer Jr.) and Mabel (Michael Hyatt) is moving. They do what they can to protect her from the bigoted townsfolk.
This film had my attention throughout the entire story. It’s a coming-of-age tale, a crime drama and love story all rolled up into one. The marsh becomes a third character. You get the sense that when life gets overwhelming for Kya, she can always turn to the beautiful marsh for refuge. As she describes it, her survival is through her understanding of the natural circle of life. The film respects the beauty of the marsh. If you enjoy Nicolas Sparks movies, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ has a similar tone. Thanks to a breakout performance from Daisy Edgar-Jones, I highly recommend seeking out this gem at your local independent movie house.
