Secrets are buried just beneath the surface.|Jul. 15, 2022|USA|125 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama;Mystery
Description: Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her stellar performance in the BBC/Hulu series *Normal People* and her role in the horror-thriller *Fresh*, takes on a new challenge in a swampy, period setting. She portrays Kya, a solitary young woman abandoned by her family—first her mother, then her siblings, and eventually her abusive father. Ostracized by the community, Kya becomes the prime suspect when a man is found dead near her home.
The film centers on the murder accusation and the ensuing trial that determines Kya’s fate. Departing from the book’s chronological structure, the screenplay by Lucy Alibar reveals the crime early on, using flashbacks and flashforwards to unfold the story. While this narrative approach is not uncommon, it diminishes some of the suspense from the outset. The courtroom drama, unfortunately, lacks the intensity needed to fully engage the audience.
Edgar-Jones’ innate charm, resilience, and feral-like demeanor keep viewers invested in Kya’s journey. Harris Dickinson also delivers a compelling performance as Chase Andrews, a former quarterback with a sinister edge. The tumultuous, occasionally violent relationship between Kya and Chase adds depth to the otherwise gentle narrative. In contrast, Kya’s connection with Tate (Taylor John Smith), a kind-hearted shrimper’s son, feels underdeveloped, lacking the chemistry needed to make it truly impactful.
One of the film’s shortcomings is its portrayal of Kya. Unlike the book’s depiction of her as a dirt-covered, deeply lonely outsider, the film presents her as a young, thin, beautiful woman, which undermines the authenticity of her isolation. Excessive voiceovers further dilute her character by over-explaining her thoughts. This tendency to smooth out and over-explain extends to other elements of the movie, leaving the story feeling less raw and compelling than it could have been.
Cast director: Olivia Newman
Cast actor: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer Jr, David Strathairn, Garret Dillahunt, Eric Ladin, Ahna O’Reilly, Joe Chrest
Original name: Where the Crawdads Sing