What would you do, if those you love deserted you, left you lost and all alone, within a swampland overgrow; only parent who can nurture, takes the name of mother nature, raises you with all the senses, that you need to form defences; as you grow you start to flower, just don't realise your power, attracting those that make you sing, attracting those that wound and sting; then you're captured in a web, of prejudice, a tidal ebb, stranded, beached, marooned and grounded, the ending may leave you confounded.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is brilliant, and gives one of her best performances to date as the marshland Mowgli Kya Clark.

By January 2022, the book had sold 12 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. Almost everyone in the theatre, yesterday afternoon, had read the book and were wondering if the movie could be as good as the book, so in my exit poll, of a dozen, or so, viewers, I asked then specifically, "Did the movie do justice to the book?" Without exception they said it had. (Although one reader thought the movie had a more definitive ending than the book.) Their ratings were 8s, 8.5s and two 10s. When I said that anything I rated over 8 would be worthy of a rewatch, it was unanimous that all of them would rewatch it, some thinking they'd like to read the book, again. So, these people, who came to see the movie, had high standards that they felt were met.

The story is simple but intriguing. There is a whole TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD vibe to it. And there is a wonderful contrast between a purity of soul living within a world of threat and danger. It was refreshing to have a film celebrate innocence. The nature shots of North Carolina are breathtaking. The casting is spot on and the performances are flawless. But the success of the film lies with the lead actor, Daisy Edgar-Jones (a very talented Brit, who earned respect for her talents in another best selling novel adaptation for television, NORMAL PEOPLE). There is a wide eyed innocence about Kya that she captures which, in turn, captivates the audience to invest in her story and her plight. (The only disconnect I had with her portrayal was not her fault but that of the production. For a swamp girl, living off the grid, her personal hygiene and wardrobe were spotless and fitted to perfection. A seemingly unlikely possibility considering her environment.) I would definitely see this film again and am tempted to buy the audible book. I give this film an enthusiastic 9 (beautiful and touching) out of 10. {Drama}

Beauty in words. Beauty in images. Beauty in music. Beauty in a performance. Beauty in an actress.

Where the Crawdads Sing is a well-made movie with a story and a character that keep you heavily invested. The romance aspect really works, and this is coming from a guy who doesn't normally go for romance. Pulling on your heart-strings is an understatement.

I wasn't planning on watching this movie but I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it and would watch it again. (1 viewing, opening Friday 7/15/2022)