Kya is an attractive young woman living alone in the marshes. When Tate, a local boy falls victim to murder, the townspeople suspect Kya of being responsible and she is taken into custody by authorities.
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson star in this adaptation of Delia Owens’ best-selling book. This complex story involves multiple timelines as it navigates romance and courtroom drama.
The story
Delia Owens’ novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, has become one of the bestselling books ever. Now it has been made into an anticipated movie with an all-star cast and stunning setting; featuring an interesting plot line and stunning soundtrack. But before watching this film there are several things you need to keep in mind before viewing this piece of entertainment.
Olivia Newman has earned a reputation for recognizing new talent and giving it an opportunity to shine in Where the Crawdads Sing. Daisy Edgar-Jones from Normal People stars as Kya Clark; an orphan living alone in a marsh who lives off of nature while having an affair with Tate Walker from her local town – however the death of Chase Andrews sends her life into chaos.
This film takes place in rural North Carolina during the 1960s, exploring many of its disparities and prejudices. Kya, its main character, is an African American woman whose family abandoned her as a child. As she grew up alone in a rundown house she survived alone until eventually being shunned from society due to Chase Andrew’s murder. However, after this event occurred everything changed drastically for Kya.
Kya was six-years-old when her family left their abusive father and lived with Jumpin’ and Mabel, her aunt and uncle, who ran a general store on the edge of town and provided her with a sense of family. Though isolated at times, Kya maintained her connection to nature through reading. Following Chase Andrews murder, however, Kya was accused of the crime and attorney Tom Milton (David Strathairn) arrived to defend her; however, once charged by suspicious townspeople she must flee for safety. This beautifully written and directed drama will touch hearts worldwide!
The cast
Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens’ best-selling novel adapted into a film directed by Olivia Newman is boasting an impressive cast. A captivating combination of courtroom drama and murder mystery, its stars include Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson; it was an instantaneous hit when released theatrically before making its way onto Netflix streaming service. Olivia Newman spoke exclusively to Newsweek recently about working on this movie with its impressive cast members and what their experience was like working on set!
Starting in 1952, Catherine Danielle Clark (Kya) witnesses her alcoholic and abusive father abandon her and her siblings in their North Carolina coastal town. Left alone to survive on her own in the marsh region, Kya finds comfort from Jumpin’ and Mabel, an African American couple running a general store nearby; as well as developing an unlikely bond with Tate Walker from Tate Walker’s general store.
Kya’s efforts are put to the test when marsh creatures begin attacking people en masse; one such animal known as “crawdad” in particular seems responsible. Kya suspects the crawdads may be connected with her brother’s death and begins investigating crawdads and marsh creatures, before finding herself as the prime suspect when bodies begin appearing in the swamps.
Kya is vindicated at the end of her trial for killing Chase Andrews when the townspeople realize their accusations against the Marsh Girl were made without evidence to back up their accusations and she and Tate continue their life together in their home in the Marsh.
Reese Witherspoon produced this film under her Hello Sunshine production company and although she doesn’t appear in it herself, is still credited as co-producer with Lucy Alibar. Reese’s fame helped propel its success; but didn’t detract from excellent performances by its cast members like Daisy Edgar-Jones (renowned from roles such as Normal People and Fresh), who delivered an exceptional portrayal of Kya in that role – an exceptional and captivating performance that perfectly depicted its subject.
The director
Director Olivia Newman and writer Lucy Alibar faced the challenging task of adapting Delia Owens’ best-selling novel into a screenplay for this film centered on Kya Clark, a young woman who lives alone in North Carolina’s marshes with nature – hence her nickname of Marsh Girl – until she becomes suspected in the murder of local golden boy Chase Andrews.
Loss, Love and Forgiveness is an enchanting tale about loss, love and forgiveness that may at times seem too slow. Still captivating and captivating however are Daisy Edgar-Jones and Taylor John Smith as impressive actors, while the cinematography captured in Louisiana’s marshes and swamps is stunningly gorgeous.
Where the Crawdads Sing is an outstanding film that should be watched by everyone. An intelligent and well-written drama that mixes courtroom drama with romance and murder mystery; furthermore it highlights important themes about family and community as it shows how people can come together regardless of differences.
Filming in Louisiana’s swamps and marshes was no simple task for the cast and crew of “American Hustle”. Facing floodwaters, alligators, and other natural challenges was no small task – yet all members were determined to make this movie successful; indeed they have received accolades for their dedication.
This movie boasts an outstanding cast and story. A truly moving drama that follows a girl after her father has passed, this film leaves audiences breathless with its amazing cinematography by Polly Morgan. A must see film from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company featuring great casting.
The music
Where the Crawdads Sing, based on the best-selling novel by Robert J. Coover, has proven itself one of the biggest box office hits. This movie boasts romance, murder mystery, and tells a tale of one woman’s quest for independence; featuring rising actress Daisy Edgar-Jones as its protagonist who has received much acclaim for both her performance in this film and its soundtrack.
Kya, who had been abandoned by her family at an early age, becomes known as The Marsh Girl after living alone for some time in a shack before meeting Tate who works at the town gas station and offers kindness in return.
He helped her start over in life and fell deeply in love with him; when he was murdered, however, she became the main suspect and quickly found herself isolated in town – with only two friends: Jumpin’ (a Black man who collected seashells), and Jumpin’s daughter who would sleep around.
She was ultimately cleared, yet guilt continued to consume her for many years afterward. Eventually she made the decision to move out of the marshes and into the big city.
Polly Morgan created an exquisite cinematography. Her incredible shots in Louisiana’s marshes and swamps at dawn and dusk are stunning; her lighting and shadow effects were amazing too.
Music for this film was composed by talented composer Jeremy Zuckerman. His songs are very emotional, and he collaborated with numerous other musicians for this project. Additionally, Jeremy produced albums for MGMT band.
This film, adapted for the screen by Lucy Alibar from Delia Owens’ best-selling novel, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Garret Dillahunt, Ahna O’Reilly and Harris Dickinson and has received critical acclaim, even from Stephen King himself. Additionally, eight Oscar nominations were submitted with three wins being awarded as awards.