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THE MARSH — There is usually a lot of excitement and worry when your favorite book is adapted into a movie.
I usually find myself asking: Will they get it right? Will the actor do this character justice? Will they keep the parts that make the story special? These questions and so many more culminate in nervous energy as the release date approaches.
There are hordes of people out there right now feeling this way as "Where the Crawdads Sing" hits theaters.
The movie is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by writer Delia Owens. The movie, like its source material, is equal parts romance, coming of age, courtroom drama and murder mystery. That's a lot to pack into a novel, but what about a two-hour movie?
Admittedly, I have never read the book and I made a point to go into this movie knowing as little as possible, hoping to go for a ride and experience something new. I give that warning because if you are a fan of the book and want to know how it stacks up, then I'm afraid this is not the review for you. I am sure they're out there.
This review is coming from someone who went to the theater with the anticipation of enjoying a good story and being introduced to new characters. There were some things I really liked about "Where the Crawdads Sing" and some that left me wanting. Here is my take on the big-screen adaptation of the global best-selling novel.
The good
I was invested in the story
For those familiar with the source material this will be no surprise, but author Owens has crafted a compelling story and director Olivia Newman and screenwriter Lucy Alibar have done the same on the screen.
I won't get into any spoilers, but the storyline spans decades and covers the trials and triumphs that a young outcast experiences throughout that time. With so many genres crossing each other you'd think the story would lose itself and struggle with so many personalities, but it doesn't. Somehow, with all of this going on, the story feels coherent and the narrative stays intact.
I think a lot of that credit goes to the fact that "Where the Crawdads Sing" is ultimately a coming-of-age story of Kya and everything else revolves around that. The genre-blending makes for an intriguing story and keeps us on our toes as we prepare for a sudden tone and direction change.
The casting was strong
Finding the right characters for such a popular book is no small feat. People around the world are eager to see who will play what character; some will be happy and others upset. For me, I think all involved had strong performances, starting with Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya.
Edgar-Jones went from scared and helpless to strong and confident. She owned the part of Kya. And while there is a big cast, it was all put on her back and she carried it well.
Harris Dickinson and Taylor John Smith also turned in fine performances, but Dickinson really stood out to me. I think you'll be seeing more of him very soon.
I have been a fan of David Strathairn for a long time. While his part is not big, it is impactful and he does good work, as always.
Another actor who stood out to me was Garret Dillahunt as Pa. I think Dillahunt is an underrated actor who can do everything from comedy to heavy drama. His acting chops are on display in his scenes in this movie.
The not-so-good
It was missing something
While I mostly enjoyed "Where the Crawdads Sing," I couldn't help but feel something was missing. It's impossible to capture all of the nuance and storytelling of a novel in one movie and I think, overall, the filmmakers did a fine job. But even without reading the source material, I knew there was so much more to be had.
In order to keep everything to a tight two hours, some important character-building and backstory felt rushed. Things that undoubtedly had multiple chapters to flesh out and resonate with only got three minutes of screen time, which I feel hurt my ability to connect deeper with characters and get lost in the world.
I struggle to give too much criticism, though, considering the daunting task of creating one movie out of a 96,000-word novel. But it was clear there was more backstory to explore and we didn't get the chance.
Should I see it?
If you are a fan of the book, I think your curiosity will definitely get you to the theater; whether you'll like it or not, I'm not sure. I think at the very least you'll appreciate the setting and seeing the marsh come to life.
For those who are unfamiliar with the book, I'd say it depends on your style. "Where the Crawdads Sing" is a heavy movie. I can't say it's a fun two hours at the theater, but it is a well-made film.
Some love to get lost in a story regardless of happy endings and upbeat characters, but some want to escape into a world free of worries and have some fun. For those in the former group, I think "Where the Crawdads Sing" is worth a watch. For those in the latter group, there are other offerings out there that will be more worth your time.
Check back on Friday for Dave Clyde's parents' guide to the film.
Editor's note: "Where the Crawdads Sing" is officially rated PG-13 for sexual content and some violence including a sexual assault.
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