Neil Burger’s adaptation of “The Marsh King’s Daughter” grapples with the challenge of conveying the novel’s poetic language, reminiscent of the struggles in “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Despite commendable performances by Ben Mendelsohn, Daisy Ridley, and Gil Birmingham, the film falls into the realm of a mid-level thriller. Brooklynn Prince embodies Helena, raised in the seclusion of Michigan’s marshes, influenced by her father’s idiosyncratic teachings. The narrative takes a surprising turn when a stranger disrupts their isolated life. Ridley, portraying adult Helena, reveals a life veiled in secrecy, distanced from a traumatic past. However, as her father escapes from prison, the film’s pacing stumbles, becoming predictable. Despite Mendelsohn’s compelling performance, the lack of urgency undermines the thriller’s core, preventing the adaptation from fully embracing the lyrical depth of its literary roots. Visit moviesjoy for more!
The Marsh King's Daughter
| November 3, 2023 (United States)
Director: Neil BurgerWriter: Elle Smith, Mark L. Smith, Karen DionneStars: Daisy Ridley, Ben Mendelsohn, Brooklynn Prince
Summary: A woman seeks revenge against the man who kidnapped her mother.
Countries: United StatesLanguages: English