Daisy Ridley Wanders Through an Uninspiring Quagmire in 'The Marsh King’s Daughter' Review

Article Summary

The Marsh King's Daughter drowns out the talent of Daisy Ridley through a directionless and forgettable thriller.

Ridley's occasional glimpses of potential are eclipsed by a hollow narrative devoid of any emotional depth.

The movie resembles a hodgepodge of superior suspense films, featuring dull visuals and a foreseeable conclusion that fails to make a significant impression.

Near the outset of Neil Burger's The Marsh King's Daughter, an engrossing psychological thriller featuring Daisy Ridley, her character is depicted carrying out monotonous tasks at the office. During these fleeting moments, it almost feels as though we catch a glimpse of the reserved brilliance showcased in her forthcoming film Sometimes I Think About Dying, which made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. While these scenes may not boast excitement, there is something captivating about allowing Ridley to fully immerse herself in a quiet setting that revolves around the minutiae. It feels as though we are being transported into a world through these subtle instances that will soon be shattered. This demonstrates that Ridley possesses not only the talent but also the commanding presence to guide us through even the most disjointed of narratives. Simply provide her with a focused storyline, and you may end up with something, at the very least, serviceable.

The Marsh King's Daughter

The Marsh King’s Daughter, directed by Neil Burger and starring Ben Mendelsohn, Daisy Ridley, Gil Birmingham, and Brooklynn Prince, is set to be released on November 3, 2023. The film, which falls under the main genre of drama, explores themes of crime and mystery. Produced by Black Bear Pictures and Anonymous Content, The Marsh King’s Daughter unfortunately fails to highlight Ridley as it drowns her out with various distractions. This pattern of overshadowing Ridley can also be seen in her previous works such as the disappointing Star Wars film The Rise of Skywalker, unsuccessful sci-fi projects, and an unnecessary Hamlet fanfiction. Despite this, Ridley demonstrates her talent by adding depth to even the most poorly constructed films. However, in The Marsh King’s Daughter, these glimpses of brilliance are overshadowed by a forgettable plot that lacks substance. Despite attempting to convey meaningful ideas and evoke emotions through Ridley's performance, the film ultimately falls short and lacks impact.

What Is 'The Marsh King’s Daughter' About?

Image via Lionsgate

Based on Karen Dionne's novel of the same name, and co-written by Elle Smith and Mark L. Smith, this story delves into Helena's fractured life. In her youth, played by the talented Brooklynn Prince from the notable film "The Florida Project," and as an adult portrayed by Ridley, she is deeply affected by the traumatic experiences of her early years. Specifically, her abusive father Jacob (played by Ben Mendelsohn) kidnapped both Helena and her mother, keeping them captive in the woods until they managed to escape. Jacob is later imprisoned but, in a perplexingly constructed sequence, manages to break free. Now, with a family of her own, Helena must run from her past while safeguarding the life she has tirelessly built. However, this becomes even more challenging as her husband Stephen (played by Garrett Hedlund) feels distant and like a two-dimensional character, while her well-meaning but superficial stepfather Clark (portrayed by Gil Birmingham) dismisses most of her concerns. Dealing with these obstacles, Helena finds herself mostly alone in her struggles.

The film itself is a reflection of Ridley's internal struggle, as she navigates the unpredictable path it takes us on. Despite revealing almost everything in the trailer, there is a deliberate vagueness that suggests a mysterious unraveling. There are moments where it hints at Helena's perception being a factor, making it even more insulting due to the film's lingering pace. Eventually, it confronts Helena's past with undeniable force.

Comparing it to Berger's previous film, the visually captivating yet largely unengaging sci-fi thriller Voyagers, one wonders why he was drawn to this project. While not fully disappointing, his earlier work had a clear vision. This film, on the other hand, seems like a mishmash of superior thrillers, blended together without much thought. This lack of cohesion extends beyond the storyline to the monotonous visuals, even incorporating dull scenes of characters rolling down a hill with what appears to be GoPro footage. Overall, it contributes to a visually flat experience.

'The Marsh King’s Daughter' Has a Dull Thud of an Ending

Image via Lionsgate

The conclusion is disappointingly predictable and lacks any narrative impact. While it is not always a problem for a film to have a predictable structure, it still needs to make the pieces come alive in some way. Although Ridley and Mendelsohn have a few more dynamic scenes together towards the end, most of their interactions are confined to flashbacks that are incredibly mundane, comparable to the unexciting robotic adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy's.

Birmingham's strengths as a character actor are wasted, even though he plays a crucial counterbalance. As we reach the end of all their stories, the film has nothing more to offer than a neat wrapping up before aimlessly fading away. The emotional impact brought by the talented performers in these moments is both too little and too late. Despite Ridley's commendable effort in delivering a thoughtful and nuanced performance, The Marsh King's Daughter feels like a film drifting aimlessly towards nowhere. Even with the lead's commitment, it ultimately loses its way in the woods and falls flat on its face.

Rating: D-

The Marsh King’s Daughter is playing in theaters in the U.S. starting November 3. Click here for showtimes near you.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the movie "The Marsh King's Daughter." On the one hand, I appreciate the talented cast, especially Daisy Ridley, who brings depth and nuance to her role. On the other hand, I find the storyline lackluster and the ending dull.

Overall, I would say that "The Marsh King's Daughter" is a disappointing film that fails to live up to its potential. While Ridley's performance is commendable, it is not enough to save the movie from its uninspiring plot and forgettable conclusion.