Kya Clark (Daisy Edgar-Jones) was abandoned as a young girl in her family home hidden away in the marshlands of North Carolina. Fending for herself her whole life she is known to the local residents as ‘the marsh girl’ and shunned. So when the body of local man Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson) is found dead in the marsh she finds herself facing trial for his murder. 

Where The Crawdads Sing is based on a 2018 novel by Delia Owens that to date has sold over twelve million copies. The plot covers two main timelines. The story of Kya growing up starting in 1952 with her at the age of six. We see how her drunken abusive father drives away her mother and brothers and sisters leaving her to live with him until he finally abandons her as well. And the story of her trial beginning in 1969 where a kindly lawyer by the name of Tom Milton (David Straithairn) defends her. 

As she grows up almost everyone Kya loves abandons her. We see her whole family slowly leave her and then when she forms a relationship with a childhood friend, Tate (Taylor John Smith) we see him head off to college leaving her behind also. The story has sub plots about naturalism and Kya’s affinity for the wildlife of the marsh, racism present in the south during the 50’s and 60’s and Kya’s ability to look after herself in times of hardship. Its absolute main focus is that of a melodramatic love story wrapped in a murder mystery. 

It’s clear all the way throughout the film that this is based on the sort of book that would absolutely thrive as a book club favourite and a holiday page turner. The story is both completely satisfying and throughly shallow. As a result it will leave you either completely cold or entertained depending on what you are looking for. If you are turned off by melodrama or simply the appearance of deep and meaningful insight that is not actually present then this is not for you. If however you want a handsomely made and entertaining yarn (that you are unlikely to return to) featuring a lead performance from an exciting young actress then this is for you. 

Speaking of which it is worth calling out that Daisy Edgar-Jones does an excellent job of holding the film together and is probably worth the entrance fee alone. 

One major qualm though. I did have to look up what a Crawdad was after the film as they never actually explain what one is!