Delia Owen’s novel Where the Crawdads Sing became a huge hit upon its release in 2018 and was praised by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Book Club certainly aiding in it its sales and popularity. Published in 2017 spending a record 168 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. To date, there have been more than 12 million copies sold.

For this adaptation, Witherspoon takes a producer credit with Olivia Newman in the director’s chair for a movie that came with plenty of anticipation. 

As someone who hasn’t read the book, I approached the movie with no ‘expectations’ and ended up loving the movie!

Crawdads tells the story of Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones), the infamous “Marsh Girl” of Barkley Cove. Abandoned by her family, Kya grew up alone in the North Caroline marshland. There were rumors of her being raised by wolves and that her eyes glow at night, which is not true. Instead, she is resourceful, a talented artist and a being very much in sync and at peace with the natural world.

Into this world come two men, Tate (Taylor John Smith) and Chase (Harris Dickinson). The first is (Tate) protective and caring, teaching Kya to read and write, and slowly, respectfully falling in love with her. He is granted a college scholarship but promises her he will return, a promise that’s soon broken. 

The second (Chase), Barkley Cove’s hometown hero is deceitful, faking his love but more interested in bedding the Marsh Girl. Kya learns he’s engaged to be married and rejects him, his lust turns to violence similar to what Kya witnessed between her father and mother before her mother ran away.

When Chase is found dead, the local authorities blame Kya. And, although the accusation is based on weak evidence, the community is quick to blame and condemn her, Only person to help her is Tom Milton, a retired lawyer (David Straithairn) who is willing to take up Kya’s case but can’t defend her without knowing her background and understanding her better. 

The cinematography brings the beauty of nature to the audience, we get so engrossed in the ambiance feeling every footstep of Kya, and capturing the beauty of the Mash.

The movie showcases an outstanding cast, the highlight being Edgar-Jones was cast perfectly as Kya, capturing her innocence and intelligence flawlessly.

Director Olivia Newman, gives us a masterpiece, a cinematic experience worth watching!
Where the Crawdads Sing is a heartfelt and gorgeous picture, a murder mystery wrapped in a thriller surrounded by romance.

If you loved Notebook, this movie will surely win your heart!

Must watch in cinemas!

Parents, please note:
PG – 13 (child abandonment, domestic abuse, and sexual assault)