The 2022 film following the story of Kya in "Where the Crawdads Sing," earned itself a PG-13 rating simply by following the storyline of the 2018 novel which inspired it. While there are moments depicting joy, education, and wonder, there are also integral moments that include emotional trauma and violence. These are the reasons the film may be inappropriate for some audiences — such as those who may be too young for the content or those just looking to see a feel-good film. Common Sense Media dives into the film's rating and calls to attention ways that the movie can be discussed after watching by both those who have read the book and those that haven't. The novel's author, Delia Owens, believes that the movie translated her story and what she was creating in her mind well. In an interview she did with Reese Witherspoon published on the CBS News website, she details her emotions regarding the final product. "They start talking, and my words come out! And it was the most surreal — it was part real, part invented or created, and yet that's what a movie does, you know? It was bringing all these elements together. It was beautiful." With the author's approval of the adaptation, it's safe to say that the movie won't be any less enjoyable for those who haven't read the book. Where the Crawdads Sing is based on the novel of the same name, by Delia Owens. It tells the story of Kya(Daisy Edgar-Jones). Kya who grows up alone in the woods of the deep south, is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. This is because she used to be in a relationship with the victim. Where the Crawdads Sing is a great film. Director Olivia Newman has a done an impeccable job adapting the source material which has become a worldwide phenomenon. The emotional moments will make you tear up. The romantic elements are the highlight of the movie. The suspense is nail-biting & it's there, right till the very last scene. The cinematography by Polly Morgan is breathtaking & captures the gorgeous locales in all their glory. The main flaw is that, the romance element is quite predictable. Daisy Edgar-Jones is spectacular as Kya Clark. Taylor John Smith is brilliant as Tate Walker. Edgar-Jones & Smith have electrifying chemistry in all their scenes together. Harris Dickinson is outstanding as Chase Andrews. David Strathairn is fantastic as Tom Milton. Michael Hyatt & Sterling Macer Jr. Are perfect as Mabel & Jumpin', respectively. The supporting cast is excellent. Where the Crawdads Sing is a must watch for fans of the novel & romantic drama fans. Go & admire the unbreakable spirit of our protagonist!
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Why is “Where the Crawdads Sing” rated PG-13? The MPAA rating has been assigned for “sexual content and some violence including a sexual assault.” The Kids-In-Mind.com evaluation includes a sexual assault, a few sex scenes with partial nudity, an implied sex scene and some kissing scenes, several scenes of child and spousal abuse with injuries shown, a dead body, bullying, discussions of child neglect and abandonment, courtroom proceedings in a murder trial, and some strong language. Read our parents’ guide below for details on sexual content, violence & strong language. A young girl (Jojo Regina) left by her mother and siblings in the care of an abusive, alcoholic father fends for herself in the marshlands of North Carolina. When she is accused of murder as a young woman (Daisy Edgar-Jones), the truth about her life emerges along with the realization that the town’s disdain for her may lead to the death penalty. Also with Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, David Strathairn, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer Jr., Logan Macrae, Bill Kelly, Ahna O’Reilly and Garret Dillahunt. Directed by Olivia Newman. [Running Time: 2:05]
– A young man and a young woman drive to another town and check in to a hotel, they kiss as they move through the door, undress, lie on the bed and we hear the young man’s zipper as he thrusts briefly (we see his bare chest and abdomen); the young man then tells the young woman, “It’ll feel better for you later, after you do it more.” A young man and a young woman kiss and hug; she removes her top, he removes his shirt (we see their bare backs) they lie on a bed and kiss (sex is implied); they then sit in the bed together later (we see the young man’s bare chest and abdomen) and the young man proposes to her. A young man and a young woman kiss, he unbuttons her dress and drops it to her ankles (we see her bare shoulders and back), he takes off his shirt (we see his bare back and chest), they lie on the ground and kiss, and he pulls away and apologizes; he explains that the consequences for doing anything else would be more significant for her.
– A man yells at his children and charges toward them while playing in a small motorboat: he hits one child in the face, knocks one child into the water and pulls her back out, and a boy charges the man and shoves him to the ground; the man then hits his wife hard across the face knocking her down (we see blood and a bruise on her face). A young man slaps a young woman in the face, she punches him in the face, he tackles her to the ground and straddles her reaching to unfasten his pants; he punches her hard in the face and she seems nearly unconscious as he turns her over on her stomach and an attempted rape is implied; the young woman hits the young man in the head with a rock several times (we see blood on his face), she kicks him in the stomach and threatens to kill him if he comes near her again (we see a bruise on the young woman’s face later).
– 1 sexual reference, 1 scatological term, 1 anatomical term, 10 mild obscenities, name-calling (crazy marsh girl, marsh girl, witch, swamp rat, outsider, silly, reclusive, half-wolf, missing link, nonsense, low-down dirty creep, liar), exclamations (jeez), 2 religious profanities (GD), 3 religious exclamations (e.g. God, oh my God, for Christ’s sake). | profanity glossary |
– People drink beer in a bar, and a young man drinks bottles of beer in a few scenes and appears inebriated in one scene.
– Murder, hate, relationships, betrayal, child abuse, sexual assault, survival, grief, Leukemia, jealousy, disappointment, loneliness, illiteracy, the death penalty, terminal illness, death of a parent, life choices, PTSD.
– Everyone does what they must to survive.
Be aware that while we do our best to avoid spoilers it is impossible to disguise all details and some may reveal crucial plot elements. We've gone through several editorial changes since we started covering films in 1992 and older reviews are not as complete & accurate as recent ones; we plan to revisit and correct older reviews as resources and time permits. Our ratings and reviews are based on the theatrically-released versions of films; on video there are often Unrated, Special, Director's Cut or Extended versions, (usually accurately labelled but sometimes mislabeled) released that contain additional content, which we did not review.
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