Where the Crawdads Sing
A young woman, Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones), growing up in the swamps of the deep South is forced to raise herself after a series of unfortunate events leaves her alone at the family homestead. Considered an outcast to the public Kya faces further ridicule and accusations of murder when a dishonest suitor, Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson), turns up dead. Clearing her name in society and the eyes of the law will take the kind guidance of lawyer Tom Milton (David Strathairn), but, will the efforts be enough, or will Kya lose everything she’s ever worked for including her freedom?
Based on the wildly popular book by Delia Owens with Screenplay by Lucy Alibar and Directed by Olivia Newman, this dramatic legal whodunit unfurls with hints of Matlock, Perry Mason, and Columbo all through the eyes of a woman challenged and unaccepted by society successfully commuting viewers from start to finish in what feels to be a genuine and “rewarding enough” story. Albeit, the sentimentality and overall feel has a particular Hallmark Movie quality, but, embracing that, there aren’t massive false steps along the way, and, while some may be hoping for a barn burning hot romance, this lighter romance and heavier drama has enough heart to keep things interesting. Solid enough for a matinee this two hour and five minute journey doesn’t overstay welcomes either, Where the Crawdads Sing is rated PG-13.