Book-to-Movie “Where the Crawdads Sing” Hits Theaters

Fans of the popular 2018 novel rejoiced when the movie adaptation of “Where the Crawdads Sing” premiered in theaters on July 13. The film currently holds a 96 percent audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Described as a cross between “The Notebook,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the film features plot points and genre elements to satisfy almost any viewer.

The part murder-mystery, part romance tale from Sony tells the story of a woman named Kya. Abandoned as a girl, Kya raised herself in the marshlands of North Carolina in the 50s and 60s as local townspeople revile and shun her – even choosing to call her “the marsh girl.” Isolated for many years, her world is opened up when she develops romantic relationships with two men from town. But when one of them is found dead, the townspeople are quick to name her as the prime suspect.

In addition to its vivid scenery, attention-grabbing storyline and rich characters, the film also shares a genuine message about being kind and embracing outsiders. And not only is the film about a resourceful and resilient woman, it’s also the result of a wide-range of female talent and sponsors. It’s based on a book by Delia Owens, was directed by Olivia Newman, written by Lucy Alibar, and produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neudstadter. Plus, it features an original song by Taylor Swift.

Daisy Edgar-Jones received loads of praise for her starring role, with CNN writing in its review: “Edgar-Jones brings an old-fashioned movie-star appeal to Kya's plight and her understandable leeriness in terms of trusting those around her. When she says, ‘People don't stay,’ she has the receipts and emotional scars to back that up.”

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.