A Scottish girl aspires to become a country singer with difficult dialogue but honest lyrics
I went to see “Wild Rose” in London, England with my mother and two cousins. We liked it, except for one problem. I try not to be stereotypical of Scottish people, but half the time, we were having a difficult time understanding the dialogue. It often moves so fast, that it sounds like gibberish. Again, I apologize if I’m offending anyone.
That’s the one downside to the experience, while the rest of the movie shines with its decisions, acting, and love for country music. It tells the story of an ex-convict and young mother named Rose-Lynn Harlan (Jessie Buckley), who dreams of traveling from her home country Glasgow, Scotland to Nashville, Tennessee, USA to become a country singer. She loves country music because it’s “Three chords and the Truth” in the words of Harlan Howard.
Don’t get “It’s another “Star is Born”” just yet. She has few obligations in the meantime. Her mother (Julie Walters) believes her dream is a fantasy, she has to wear an ankle bracelet, and she has two kids to feed. Most of this part is difficult to understand because of the dialogue, but you can easily tell they all have gone estranged of her.
Meanwhile, to make ends meet, she becomes a housekeeper for a wealthy woman named Susannah (Sophie Okonedo), who loves her voice and talents. In fact, she agrees to help Rose-Lynn reach her dream, even if she doesn’t know about her crimes and two kids.
“Wild Rose” was written by Nicole Taylor, who wrote episodes for such BBC shows as “Three Girls,” and the TV movie “The C Word.” And it was also directed by Tom Harper, who did an empty job with “The Woman in Black 2.” Somehow, these two break form by giving this music story baby steps. They don’t just jump to the Hollywood cliches by just giving the main heroine her dream. They focus on the difficulties and support given to her.
Watching Jessie Buckley on screen is like seeing a revelation. She keeps herself in check by sticking to the script, and using her voice to cover hits from such talents as Chris Stapleton, Emmylou Harris, and Wyonna Judd. And credit must also go to Okonedo and Walters for their supporting work; one is more committed to her dream than the other.
Lately, I was given two other fine Indies about rock stars and their situations. “Her Smell” was about a messed-up 90s rock star, and “Teen Spirit” is about a young dreamer competing in a singing competition. And now, I’ve dished on “Wild Rose.” All these movies are not just about lyrics, but about characters and stories.
Again, I can’t call “Wild Rose” a masterpiece because of the throughly confusing dialogue, but I can call it honest and charming.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opens in select theaters June 14
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