Watch Wild Rose

In 2018, Tom Harper directed Wild Rose, a musical drama film that depicted the story of a young woman from Glasgow, Scotland, named Rose-Lynn Harlan, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, who pursued her passion for country music while juggling her responsibilities as a single mother of two children. The movie begins with Rose-Lynn's release from prison, where she was serving time for drug-related offenses. Returning home, she reconnects with her children, Wynonna, and Lyle, and her own mother, Marion, played by Julie Walters. Marion had been looking after the children during Rose-Lynn's time in prison and requests her to give up her music dreams to take the job she has arranged for her. However, Rose-Lynn remains undaunted and continues to pursue her music dreams with the help of her friend Susannah, played by Sophie Okonedo.

Despite being estranged from her children and domestic responsibilities, Rose-Lynn is an incredibly talented singer with a deep passion for country music. Her dream is to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to have a chance at becoming a rising star in the country music scene. However, with little money and no place to stay, Rose-Lynn struggles to balance her dream and her familial responsibilities.

In an attempt to find a source of income, she takes a job as a cleaning lady, where she meets the well-off Susannah, who becomes her biggest supporter, guiding and encouraging her through the tough times. Susannah provides her with the opportunity to perform at country music bars, gain more fans, and eventually get her to perform in front of the right people who could help her fulfill her dream of singing in Nashville.

Wild Rose is a beautiful and complex depiction of a woman's struggles in pursuing her dreams while being a responsible mother. The film is emotionally charged, with multiple poignant moments busting out of its seams. Jessie Buckley portrays the strong-willed, heartbreaking character of Rose-Lynn Harlan with such vulnerability, making the viewer root for her character's success every step of the way. At the same time, Julie Walters gives an excellent, nuanced performance as the overburdened, well-meaning mother who feels neglected by her daughter.

The movie explores the complexities of social class and motherhood, highlighting the challenges that come with pursuing one's passions while being responsible for their loved ones. Rose-Lynn risks losing the custody of her children, making it a heartbreaking moment in the movie's climax.

However, the film also has a light-hearted note, with numerous scenes of Rose-Lynn's bubbly, charming personality that endeared her to both the audience and people around her. The musical performances throughout the film are enrapturing, with Jessie Buckley's powerful voice, which stands out in the slower, more resounding songs, skillfully lifting the movie.

In conclusion, in Wild Rose, Tom Harper delivers a moving and stunning movie that showcases the power of following one's passions, and the difficulties of being a mother in such an unforgiving world. The film seamlessly blends the drama, comedy, and music, highlighting the complexities of life and relationships. Wild Rose is a must-watch for anyone passionate about music, motherhood, or poignant storytelling.

Wild Rose is a 2019 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 80.