Mass Black Judge

Legal education speaker Philip Bogdanoff explores the courtroom strategies employed by both prosecutors and defense attorneys in Lawyer Where the Crawdads Sing. This program can earn two hours of CLE credit.

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kya in this adaptation of the popular novel by Cynthia Rees. Kya grew up alone but is tenacious enough to survive in North Carolina’s marshes despite being orphaned; as such, her survival instinct makes her an obvious suspect when one of their own is killed in one of these marshlands.

What’s the story about?

Where the Crawdads Sing was an incredible bestseller, staying on the New York Times bestseller list for over eleven weeks. Written by Delia Owens whose mother often encouraged her to explore the woods and “go far out yonder where the crawdads sing”, her knowledge of animal behavior played a prominent role in creating this literary fiction novel for adults.

Olivia Newman directed this film with great skill, effectively translating its source material into a cinematic drama. Daisy Edgar-Jones provided an unforgettable performance as Kya, while Taylor John Smith provided compelling performances as Tate Walker and Harris Dickinson was irresistible as Chase Andrews, the town hero.

Sometimes a movie will surprise with its bright outlook and happy conclusion; other times it takes you on an unexpected dark ride, filled with tension-inducing themes and unsettling undercurrents that leave a mark – like Where the Crawdads Sing, an example of such an experience.

What’s the theme?

This story’s central motif is isolation and loneliness. Kya has been forced to live alone in the marshes after her family, friends, and abusive father (who eventually kills himself) abandoned her, turning instead to nature for comfort and companionship in her time of solitude. This book explores survival as well as self improvement through Kya Clark as its protagonist.

Owens draws upon her background as a naturalist to weave in elements of ethology – the study of animal behavior – into her story, adding another layer to its appeal by showing how similar human and animal behaviors are.

Where the Crawdads Sing was directed and written by Olivia Newman and Lucy Alibar and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya, an orphan living alone in North Carolina marshes. Critics generally found this film mixed reviews; many lauded Edgar-Jones’ performance but found its tone inconsistent.

What’s the cast like?

Daisy Edgar-Jones leads the cast as Catherine “Kya” Clark, an outcast raised alone in North Carolina marshes after being abandoned by her family and left alone by them. To survive she utilizes nature-inspired drawings and writing to earn a living as an itinerant storyteller. Kya narrates this film in first person while testifying as her own witness on trial for murdering one of her former lovers.

Reese Witherspoon plays the sheriff of her town. Garret Dillahunt plays her abusive father. David Strathairn can be seen here playing Tom Milton – famous for his roles on both The Sopranos and Billions TV series.

No matter if you’re an avid reader or legal drama fanatic, this film will keep your interest. Join nationally acclaimed continuing legal education speaker Philip Bogdonoff as he examines courtroom tactics employed by both prosecution and defense in this compelling case.

What’s the movie like?

The movie version of Where the Crawdads Sing fails to capture the spirit of its source material, despite having an impressive cast. Unfortunately, the film fails to convey Kya’s strength or capture North Carolina marshes; instead it becomes mired in dull love triangles and familiar courtroom drama tropes.

Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a solid performance as Kya, but the movie does not allow her to fully explore her depth as a character. Additionally, its narrative overlooks some societal injustices plaguing Kya’s town and violent incidents among its citizens; as such major revelations often feel like unexpected plot turns.

Reese Witherspoon has given her support (including producer credit), while Taylor Swift contributed a theme song, so this adaptation of the book has an established fan base and deserves to stand on its own merit.