In Neil Burger’s adaptation of “The Marsh King’s Daughter,” the struggle to capture the poetic language of the novel echoes the challenges of “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Despite commendable performances by Ben Mendelsohn, Daisy Ridley, and Gil Birmingham, the film remains a mid-level thriller. Brooklynn Prince portrays Helena, raised in the secluded marshes of Michigan, shaped by her father’s unconventional teachings. The story takes an unexpected turn when a stranger disrupts their isolated life. As Ridley takes on the role of adult Helena, the film explores a life marked by secrecy, distancing itself from a traumatic past. However, as her father escapes from prison, the film loses momentum, succumbing to predictability. Despite Mendelsohn’s compelling portrayal, the pacing undermines the urgency necessary for a thriller, preventing the adaptation from fully embracing the lyrical depth of its literary inspiration. Visit afdah tv for more!
