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Drama thriller

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) movie poster

Where the Crawdads Sing is a 2022 drama thriller directed by Olivia Newman, starring Harris Dickinson as Chase Andrews, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Taylor John Smith. It is partly based on Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $144.4 million worldwide on a $24 million budget. It earned 2 award nominations, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice 2023. Critics gave it 34% on Rotten Tomatoes and 43 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
34%
worldwide gross
$144.4M
award nominations
2
Echo Score
68
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Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Director
Olivia Newman
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$24M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Where the Crawdads Sing About?

The premise of Where the Crawdads Sing without spoilers, adapted from Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Abandoned by her family as a young girl, Kya raises herself in the marshes of North Carolina, becoming intimately familiar with its natural beauty and dangers. Shunned by the nearby townspeople, she develops a deep connection with two young men who offer her friendship and guidance. When one of them is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect, forcing her to confront the prejudices of the community and fight to prove her innocence while the secrets of the marsh are revealed.

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Cast & crew

Where the Crawdads Sing Cast & Characters

Harris Dickinson leads the cast as Chase Andrews, with Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya Clark and Taylor John Smith as Tate Walker. Directed by Olivia Newman; 18 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Where the Crawdads Sing

· 14 more
From the director

More from Olivia Newman

More films directed by Olivia Newman, best-rated first: First Match and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Full filmography
Ratings

Where the Crawdads Sing Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Where the Crawdads Sing 34% on Rotten Tomatoes and 43 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (55).

68 /100

Where the Crawdads Sing Echo Score Breakdown

The film garners a polarized response, with critics highlighting uneven storytelling and artistic choices while audiences celebrate its emotional impact. Positive notes focus on Daisy Edgar-Jones' performance and striking visual composition, which many viewers describe as beautiful and immersive. Conversely, reviewers criticize the narrative’s reliance on tropes and a lack of depth in its adaptation. Overall, the movie offers a compelling viewing experience for some, but its structural flaws limit broader acclaim.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 68

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents a mixed picture. Critics note a polished visual style, yet describe the cinematography as overly tidy and occasionally soggy, and criticize directional decisions that feel broad. Audience feedback, however, emphasizes striking landscape shots, vivid color palettes, and pleasing production design. The consensus suggests competent technical execution that does not consistently elevate the material.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    Character and emotion emerge as the film's stronger component. Reviewers praise Daisy Edgar-Jones' endearing performance, describing it as a highlight that anchors the story. While some critics find the protagonist underdeveloped, viewers frequently mention powerful acting across the cast, noting genuine emotional resonance and well‑crafted chemistry. The overall impression is that performances succeed in engaging the audience despite narrative constraints.

  • Story & Flow 55

    The story and flow receive divergent assessments. Critics point to uneven pacing, reliance on familiar romance tropes, and a lack of narrative depth that hampers engagement. Audience comments range from describing the plot as gripping and surprising to noting predictability and a sluggish first act. Consequently, the narrative is seen as competent enough to hold interest but insufficiently original or cohesive.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience is generally well received. Critics acknowledge rich imagery in certain scenes but also criticize the soundtrack's occasional intrusion and visual over‑arrangement. Viewer reactions emphasize beautiful cinematography, immersive sound design, and an overall aesthetic that enhances the setting. The combined feedback suggests the film delivers a pleasing auditory and visual atmosphere that supports its thematic intent.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Rewatch factor appears relatively strong. Critics provide limited commentary on lasting appeal, yet audience reviews highlight emotional payoff, memorable performances, and an ending that encourages repeat viewing. Several users note the film’s capacity to evoke tears and a desire to revisit its visual and narrative moments. This indicates a solid replay value for viewers who connect with its emotional core.

Plot

Where the Crawdads Sing Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Where the Crawdads Sing from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the murky waters of 1968 lap against the fire tower, local quarterback Chase Andrews meets a tragic end, leaving the residents of Barkley Cove to grapple with the mystery surrounding his death. Despite investigations, few clues emerge: there are no discernible tracks at the site, no fingerprints on the tower’s metal beams, and most notably, the shell necklace he wore that evening has vanished along with him. This missing token, emblematic of a turbulent relationship, sets the stage for the trial of local woman Kya Clark, accused of first-degree murder.

Full summary

The whole story of Where the Crawdads Sing, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Where the Crawdads Sing Box Office & Budget

Where the Crawdads Sing grossed $144.4 million worldwide on a $24 million budget, 6.0 times what it cost. $90.2 million came from the US and Canada and $54.1 million (37%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$144.4M

6.0× its budget

US & Canada
$90.2M
International
$54.1M
Budget
$24M
US & Canada 63% Rest of the world 37%
Awards

Where the Crawdads Sing Awards & Nominations

Where the Crawdads Sing earned 2 award nominations, including Best Song at the Critics' Choice 2023. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.

2 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Where the Crawdads Sing Trailers & Videos

13 videos: 2 trailers, 4 clips, 6 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 13 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Clip Film Clip – Ocean Kiss
  • Clip Film Clip – I Won’t
  • Clip Film Clip – River Chase
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Where the Crawdads Sing?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What year does the movie primarily take place in?

Details

Where the Crawdads Sing Also Known As

39 alternative titles, including “가재가 노래하는 곳” and “蝲蛄吟唱的地方”.

Also known as
  • 가재가 노래하는 곳
  • 蝲蛄吟唱的地方
  • Suon villi laulu
  • La ragazza della palude
  • Bataklık Kızı
  • Um Lugar Bem Longe Daqui
  • Xa Ngoài Kia Nơi Loài Tôm Hát
  • Gdzie Śpiewają Raki
  • La chica salvaje
  • Là où chantent les écrevisses
  • Der Gesang der Flusskrebse
  • Там, где раки поют
+27 more
  • Där kräftorna sjunger
  • Ahol a folyami rákok énekelnek
  • 沼泽深处的女孩
  • Djevojka iz močvare
  • שירת סרטני הנהר
  • حيث يغني جراد البحر
  • Kya'nın Şarkı Söylediği Yer
  • ปมรักในบึงลึก
  • Там, де співають раки
  • Acolo unde cântă racii
  • جایی که خرچنگ‌ها آواز می‌خوانند
  • 沼澤謀殺案
  • 荒野謎屍
  • Εκεί που Τραγουδάνε οι Καραβίδες
  • ザリガニの鳴くところ
  • Ten, kur gieda vėžiai
  • A Rapariga Selvagem
  • Kde zpívají raci
  • Tam, kjer pojejo raki
  • Kur vēži dzied
  • Където пеят раците
  • Hvor flodkrebsene synger
  • Kde raky spievajú
  • व्हेयर द क्रॉडैड्स सिंग
  • Тамо где ракови певају
  • Каде што пеат раковите
  • Kus laulavad langustid

Seen Where the Crawdads Sing?

FAQ

Where the Crawdads Sing FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Where the Crawdads Sing, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Where the Crawdads Sing?

Where the Crawdads Sing runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was Where the Crawdads Sing released?

Where the Crawdads Sing was released on July 15, 2022.

Who directed Where the Crawdads Sing?

Where the Crawdads Sing was directed by Olivia Newman.

More films by Olivia Newman

Who is in the cast of Where the Crawdads Sing?

Where the Crawdads Sing stars Harris Dickinson as Chase Andrews, Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya Clark and Taylor John Smith as Tate Walker, among 18 credited actors.

How much did Where the Crawdads Sing make at the box office?

Where the Crawdads Sing grossed $144.4 million worldwide ($90.2 million domestic, $54.1 million international) on a budget of $24 million.

How is Where the Crawdads Sing rated?

Where the Crawdads Sing has 34% on Rotten Tomatoes, 43 on Metacritic, 76% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.

Is Where the Crawdads Sing based on a book?

Yes. Where the Crawdads Sing is partly adapted from Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Was Where the Crawdads Sing nominated for any awards?

Where the Crawdads Sing received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

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