Streaming Sunday features TV series or movies adapted from books I’ve read, offered on at least one streaming service and I’ve watched.
Where the Crawdads Sing is a movie adaptation of the book of the same name by Delia Owens. It’s the story of Kya Clark who was abandoned by her parents at a very young age in the marshes of Barclay Cove, North Carolina, left to fend for herself into adulthood. She was known in town as the “Marsh Girl” and ostracized by most but befriended by some who helped her through the years. It was produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company and released exclusively by Sony Pictures in theaters on July 22, 2022. It is now streaming on Netflix.
The book was released in 2018 and still ranks as one of my favorites. I listened to the story and the narration was excellent. I was nervous about the film adaption, even though I trusted Witherspoon who is an avid book enthusiast and certainly understands readers and their expectations. Her decision to use relatively unknown actors for the main characters was concerning, too.
Critics were unkind in their ratings, some saying the movie was “incoherent,” which I found unenlightening even before I watched the movie. Fans, however, found it to be wonderful giving it an overall rating just below 5 stars. It’s estimated that about 32% of those who showed up in theaters had read the book. Despite the lack of critical acclaim, the movie was a box office success.
I watched the movie on Netflix and absolutely loved it! The cinematic aspect of it was gorgeous, capturing the marsh as I’d pictured it in my mind. And, the actors were perfectly cast for their roles, most notably the actress portraying Kya, Daisy Edgar-Jones, whose understated performance embodied the character. Using actors with limited exposure turned out to be a plus, keeping the focus on the story.
The setting was also gorgeously captured, the production paying acute attention to details that provided a strong sense of place, which was a critical aspect of the book. I felt the heat, smelled the scents of the marsh and could hear the sounds of the wildlife. I figured I would enjoy the film but was unprepared for how well it would mirror the essence of the book.
I’ll always treasure my memories of the book but the movie will also be a memorable experience that I highly recommend.
Blue Mood Café 
Sounds good Jo!I tired the book a couple of times in print and audio, but it didn’t grab me, but I might try the film if it comes to UK Netflix.
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I remember it took me a bit to get into the book but eventually it hooked me. It helps that I was familiar with the setting and circumstances. But, I think you’ll appreciate the film when you get the opportunity to see it, Nicki.
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Our book club read the book and loved it so much we got together and went to see the movie. We enjoyed both.
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Oh, Jerrie, I would have loved doing that💜 Glad you enjoyed it, too.
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It certainly looks like wonderful scenery from the stills. I never got around to reading the book and would therefore prefer to wait with the adaptation. Maybe it helps to have read the book before watching? (more coherent because the book fills out the gaps).
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I’m not sure why the critics felt that way but it could be the reason for feeling it was incoherent. I’m like you, Stargazer, in preferring to read the book first. In this case, I’d strongly recommend doing that because the book is a gem.
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Excellent book and I very much enjoyed the netflix production too!
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Yay! I didn’t know you’d seen the movie, too.
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I’ve been wondering about this movie. I never read the book though I had it from the library a few times. 🤷🏻♀️. I wonder how it would be without reading the book first 🤔
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I’m so biased because I loved the book and was haunted by it for weeks after reading it. But, I read it four years ago so the details weren’t fresh when I watched the movie so I think you’d be okay.
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I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this one, Jonetta. I adored the book but had seen mixed reviews for the film. I’ll definitely check it out now after reading your review. 🙂
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I’m not sure why I waited for it to stream but those mixed reviews bothered me. There seems to be a difference of opinion between professional critics and regular movie goers who gave it a thumbs up. At a minimum, the production is gorgeous.
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I’m so happy to read this! I loved the book, but I’ve been hesitant about watching the film adaptation because of how many time I’ve been disappointed by mediocre versions of favorite books in the past. What a relief to know that it’s worth watching!!
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I was reluctant, too, so it made me happy that the movie was so lovely. I’d be interested in what you think after watching, Lisa💜
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Great review Jonetta! I really enjoyed my watch of this as well. Such a beautiful film!
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Thank you, Amy💜 Thrilled you liked it, too!
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I watched this on the plane coming home from Mexico and loved it as well. It brought back the wonderful experience I had with the book. I loved how they treated the story and agree, unknown actors were perfect. Great post, Jo.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I’m so glad you loved it, too.
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I just watched it recently and it made me curious about the book, my curiosity brought me here. I’m gonna buy the book tho 🙂
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I think you’ll find the book much richer in context and detail, Kelvin.
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It’s very much likely. I’m looking for the copy online. Thanks
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