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The Marsh King's Daughter
2023 109 min United States of America R 18+
★5.6
Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Director: Neil Burger
🎭 Based on
«The Marsh King's Daughter»
byKaren Dionne
Trailers
Description
Helena, a woman living a seemingly ordinary life, hides a dark secret—her father is the infamous 'Marsh King', the man who kept her and her mother captive in the wilderness for years. After a lifetime of trying to escape her past, Helena is forced to face her demons when her father unexpectedly escapes from prison.
US Gross:
$1.79M
Starring
Daisy Ridley
Actor
Ben Mendelsohn
Actor
Brooklynn Prince
Actor
Key opinion
The Marsh King's Daughter is a polarizing thriller that pairs strong atmospheric visuals with a narrative that many find uneven and lacking in depth. While some appreciate the film's focus on psychological tension and nuanced performances, others criticize the disjointed screenplay and a resolution that feels emotionally and logically hollow.
| Cinematography | The cinematography effectively captures the stark, immersive beauty of the natural wilderness. | |
| Acting | Ben Mendelsohn and Daisy Ridley deliver compelling, nuanced performances that anchor the central toxic family dynamic. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is criticized for significant narrative holes, specifically regarding the antagonist's unexplained motives and a lack of depth in the central conflict. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split: some find the contemplative, atmosphere-first approach engaging, while others feel the film suffers from a lethargic second half and poorly integrated flashbacks. |