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After getting back from golf practice today, I decided to unwind with a movie. Where the Crawdads Sing popped up on Netflix, and honestly, I only considered watching it because of Taylor Swift. She wrote and sang the soundtrack, Carolina, and if Taylor is involved, I’m in. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have given it a chance—I’m not usually into slow-burn, talky-talky films.

I expected to get bored—because, let’s be real, I usually go for movies that make my heart race, but to my surprise, I was hooked. Not once did I feel the urge to check my phone. That alone says a lot.

A Story That Sticks with You

The movie follows Kya, a girl abandoned by her family and forced to survive on her own in the marshlands of North Carolina. She’s misunderstood, ostracised, and yet incredibly resilient. I think everyone, in some way, has felt like Kya at some point in their lives. Watching her struggle, grow, and fight for herself hit me harder than I expected. I even teared up a little because, well… I know what it feels like to be betrayed and left to fend for yourself.

The way the movie unfolds feels almost like reading a novel, which makes sense since it’s based on a bestselling book. Kya’s words at the end of the film stuck with me:

I am a firefly. You’ll see hundreds, beckoning far into the dark reaches of the marsh. And that’s where you will always find me—way out yonder, where the crawdads sing.

Chills. Literal chills.

It’s not just the storyline that pulled me in—the cinematography is stunning. Every scene looks like a painting, capturing the beauty of nature and the solitude Kya experiences. And the performances? Absolutely mesmerising. Every frame was so captivating that I couldn’t look away. It wasn’t just good—it was exceptional. Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays Kya, absolutely nails it.

Is It Perfect? No. Did I Love It Anyway? Absolutely.

Now, I get why some people might criticize the movie. If you’ve read the book, you might feel like certain details were rushed or left out. And sure, some parts felt a bit too “Hollywood” compared to the rawness of the novel. But honestly? That didn’t bother me. I was too wrapped up in Kya’s world to care about imperfections.

The way the film makes you feel—that’s what matters to me. And Where the Crawdads Sing made me feel a lot.

By the time the credits rolled, I knew one thing: this movie is officially one of my favorites.

A Little Banter Never Hurts

After finishing the movie, I told Nat that Kya and I are basically the same—both living alone, minding our own business, and waiting for our Prince Charming to show up. Lucky for Kya, Tate found her. I would like to have my own Tate too, to which Nat, without missing a beat, responded:

“It spells Nate, Hani.”

😂 Smooth, Nat. Very smooth.

Now, Back to My Horror Obsession

Speaking of movies, why are there no new horror films lately? Yesterday was Friday the 13th, and Nat and I wanted to have a proper horror movie night, but I swear, I’ve seen everything. We ended up settling on Mayfair Witches (which my brother downloaded), but after just one episode, I already know I’ll abandon it halfway. My brother always says I have commitment issues, and honestly? He’s not wrong. 😂

If you are looking for a genuinely good horror movie, though, Barbarian is a must-watch. It’s hands down the best new horror film I’ve seen in a long time. Even Nat, who usually roasts my movie recommendations, agreed on this one.

Until next time! 🥰

X, Hani. ❤