In what has to be the strangest case of cultural appropriation, Glasgow, Scotland apparently has a country music scene. Rose-Lynn (Jessie Buckley; Beast) is a recently released convict hoping to become the next great country singer. She lives and breathes country music, is always seen listening (and singing to) the likes of Wynona Judd and Patty Griffin, and sings at a local country bar. She plans save up the money for a ticket to Nashville, Tennessee so she can make it big. In the meantime, she works as a maid for a wealthy woman.No love or knowledge of country music is needed from the audience. The genre is often derided for its references to tractors and pick-up trucks, but director Tom Harper (War & Peace) selects a variety of soulful tracks. The music is wistful and heartfelt with genuine longing and emotion underneath. Buckley, having placed second on a BBC talent show for her singing, has an incredible voice. Her vocals, especially with songs like “When I Reach the Place I’m Going”, capture her feeling of being out of place and the solace that music offers her. She says “I should have been born in America. I’m an American.” and after watching her perform, it’s hard to argue with her.
Rose-Lynn is, in no uncertain terms, a screwup. Despite her musical talent and fierce personality, she has made and continues to make many avoidable mistakes in her life. She’s a heavy drinker, quick to anger, and undisciplined. When her boss puts her on a train to London to meet with an industry insider, Rose-Lynn leaves her bags unattended so she can get drunk with other passengers and loses all her belongings. She has several shortsighted, self-destructive behaviors that undermine her chances of success.
The most unique aspect of Rose-Lynn’s pursuits is her family life. Unlike most leads in a “follow your heart” type story, she has real responsibilities. She has two young children that her mother Marion (Julie Walters; Billy Elliot) has raised while she was incarcerated. Her daughter seems noticeably distant and likely resentful towards her mother for being absent from their lives and Marion has similar feelings. She wants her daughter to be the mother the children deserve, but Rose-Lynn is often irresponsible, making promises to her kids that she either forgets or ignores when her own priorities come up.
The tension between being a star and being a single mother is something that Harper keeps reinforcing. Many of Rose-Lynn’s potential big breaks directly conflict with her children’s needs and the humble, but stable life her mother wants for her. However, the film doesn’t fully address this issue and its finale, while heartwarming, is abrupt and sidesteps providing a viewpoint. Ultimately, Rose-Lynn’s story comes down to passion. She says she loves country because it is “Three Chords and the Truth” and the film succeeds based on the unbridled emotion Rose-Lynn brings with her music. There have been plenty of pop star rise-to-fame stories recently like A Star is Born, but Buckley’s winning performance and her character’s unique responsibilities are enough to distinguish Wild Rose and overcome its abrupt ending.
4/5 stars.