Wild Rose - Review
Director: Tom Harper
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Julie Walters, Sophie Okonedo
After an outstanding film debut in 2017's psychological thriller Beast, Jessie Buckley is given another leading role in Tom Harper's Wild Rose. Her considerably short acting career has
established Buckley as a force to be reckoned with and her performance as the unruly wannabe country music star proves that her star truly is on the rise.
Young mother of two Rose-Lynn Harlan (Buckley) is released from prison after serving time for a minor offence. The time spent away from her family has caused a rift but Rose's desire to become a country music star hasn't faltered. As she tries to get her talent noticed and raise the funds to get her to Nashville to pursue her dream, Rose undergoes a journey of self-discovery.
Having first appeared as a contestant on 2008's "I'd Do Anything" where she competed to win the role of Nancy in Oliver, it comes as no surprise that Buckley's voice is sensational. Rose's fiery nature may cause grievances and divide opinion among her neighbours and those who know her in Glasgow, but they are all united in appreciating her stunning talent and her ability to captivate an audience with her phenomenal voice and passion for country music and culture.
However, underneath her white cowboy boots hides an electronic tag that imposes a strict curfew on Rose, stopping her from performing at the local country-themed bar. Her exasperated mother Marion (a subtly brilliant Julie Walters) also wants her to accept responsibility for her two children that she has been caring for since Rose's imprisonment but she is simultaneously encouraged by her employee Susannah (Okonedo) to fulfil her musical potential. The conflict between duty and desire rages within Rose which is occasionally undermined by the mechanics of the script as everything is played out just as we expect it to. The story's predictability is elevated by the stellar characterisation and themes of female sacrifice, family and the commitment of motherhood that will strike a chord with many viewers.
Rose channels a fierce bravado that gives the impression of unshakable confidence as she bulldozes her way through most situations, giving little thought or consideration for the consequences. But this brash attitude is affected by an undercurrent of self-doubt and insecurity at the demands of motherhood. Her past destructive behaviour continues to have a lingering impact on her life, particularly the fraught relationship with her young children. Buckley embraces all of these nuances with aplomb and gives one of the year's best performances - with several high profile roles on the horizon, including a supporting turn in Judy starring Renee Zellweger, Buckley will soon be one of the U.K's most promising actresses.
Whilst its story may seem overly-familiar, this sense of deja vu is salved by Wild Rose's huge heart and a blazing performance by Jessie Buckley.
EB
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Julie Walters, Sophie Okonedo
After an outstanding film debut in 2017's psychological thriller Beast, Jessie Buckley is given another leading role in Tom Harper's Wild Rose. Her considerably short acting career has established Buckley as a force to be reckoned with and her performance as the unruly wannabe country music star proves that her star truly is on the rise.
Young mother of two Rose-Lynn Harlan (Buckley) is released from prison after serving time for a minor offence. The time spent away from her family has caused a rift but Rose's desire to become a country music star hasn't faltered. As she tries to get her talent noticed and raise the funds to get her to Nashville to pursue her dream, Rose undergoes a journey of self-discovery.
Having first appeared as a contestant on 2008's "I'd Do Anything" where she competed to win the role of Nancy in Oliver, it comes as no surprise that Buckley's voice is sensational. Rose's fiery nature may cause grievances and divide opinion among her neighbours and those who know her in Glasgow, but they are all united in appreciating her stunning talent and her ability to captivate an audience with her phenomenal voice and passion for country music and culture.
However, underneath her white cowboy boots hides an electronic tag that imposes a strict curfew on Rose, stopping her from performing at the local country-themed bar. Her exasperated mother Marion (a subtly brilliant Julie Walters) also wants her to accept responsibility for her two children that she has been caring for since Rose's imprisonment but she is simultaneously encouraged by her employee Susannah (Okonedo) to fulfil her musical potential. The conflict between duty and desire rages within Rose which is occasionally undermined by the mechanics of the script as everything is played out just as we expect it to. The story's predictability is elevated by the stellar characterisation and themes of female sacrifice, family and the commitment of motherhood that will strike a chord with many viewers.
Rose channels a fierce bravado that gives the impression of unshakable confidence as she bulldozes her way through most situations, giving little thought or consideration for the consequences. But this brash attitude is affected by an undercurrent of self-doubt and insecurity at the demands of motherhood. Her past destructive behaviour continues to have a lingering impact on her life, particularly the fraught relationship with her young children. Buckley embraces all of these nuances with aplomb and gives one of the year's best performances - with several high profile roles on the horizon, including a supporting turn in Judy starring Renee Zellweger, Buckley will soon be one of the U.K's most promising actresses.
Whilst its story may seem overly-familiar, this sense of deja vu is salved by Wild Rose's huge heart and a blazing performance by Jessie Buckley.
EB
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