Featuring a stellar female cast of empowered women, a gutsy soundtrack and plenty of soul Wild Rose touches on the themes that lie at the core of country music: family, friendship and all matters of the heart.
Young breakout actress Jessie Buckley’s sheer talent shines through in her performance as ex-con single mother Rose-Lyn Harlan, who is out of jail and ready to pursue her dreams of becoming a country singer in none other than Nashville, Tennessee. But Rose-Lyn is torn between career-chasing in Tennessee or settling in Glasgow, which involves taking responsibility for her two young children who have been raised without a mother.
As a stepping stone to save for her future success, Rose-Lyn is hired as a “daily-maid” by sweet Susannah, who feels compelled to help her achieve her dream after hearing her sing. Sophie Okonedo delivers a heartfelt performance as Rose-Lyn’s employer and biggest fan, although her innocent naivety proves hard to watch in moments when Rose-Lynn lies about her family and raids her liquor cabinet.
Acting veteran Julie Walters wins over hearts as matriarchal mother Marion, who has cared for Rose-Lyn’s two young children during her stint in prison and stuck by her through thick and thin. Striking an even balance between harsh yet heartfelt, Marion pushes Rose-Lyn to reconnect with her two young children who have been left broken, battered and confused by their mother’s absence during their childhood.
The true star of Wild Rose is well and truly the music, with the soundtrack stealing the show and persuading audiences to rush out and buy it for themselves to listen to on repeat. Featuring timeless country classics, a handful of surprisingly catchy original tracks and several covers sung by Buckley herself, audiences will find themselves tapping along and rooting for underdog Rose-Lyn throughout her musical journey. With each strum of the guitar, Buckley tugs at the heartstrings, revealing a unique vulnerability behind every gutsy vocal and poignant note. Director Tom Harper has poured a love and reverence of the country music scene into the making of the film, which makes it hard not to fall in love with the genre for yourself.
Wild Rose is a feel-good feature and a surprising hidden gem in the sea of newest releases. Believe me when I say you’ll leave the movie theatre with a newfound appreciation for country music!
4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to Universal Pictures Australia for inviting us to review the film
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