In Neil Burger’s adaptation of “The Marsh King’s Daughter,” the struggle to evoke the poetic language of the novel is evident, akin to “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Despite commendable performances by Ben Mendelsohn, Daisy Ridley, and Gil Birmingham, the film lingers as a mid-level thriller. Brooklynn Prince, as Helena, grows up in the secluded marshes of Michigan, shaped by her father’s unique teachings. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when a stranger disrupts their isolated existence. Ridley portrays Helena in adulthood, revealing a life marked by secrecy and distance from her traumatic past. When her father escapes from prison, the film loses momentum, succumbing to predictability. Despite Mendelsohn’s compelling portrayal, the pacing undermines the urgency essential to a thriller, preventing the adaptation from fully capturing the lyrical depth of its literary source. Visit afdah tv for more!
