Welcome one and all to part 34 of The 52 In 52. The concept is simple, each week I pick a film from my shelf of DVDs and Blu Rays that have been gathering dust and review it. Last week I reviewed The Fast And The Furious.
As always if you have any comments or feedback leave a comment in the section below or by following me on Twitter and Instagram.
This week I'm talking about Wild Rose. Released in 2018 and directed by Tom Harper, Wild Rose follows the story of Rose Lynn (Jessie Buckley) who has been recently been released from jail. When she arrives home to her mother (Julie Walters) and her two children she seems to be returning to her old ways until she meets her new employer Susannah (Sophie Okonedo) who helps Rose Lynn realise her dream of becoming a country singer.
I loved Wild Rose and the acting is really what drives this film. Jessie Buckley is fantastic throughout. There is sometimes the risk that a film like Wild Rose could resort following a cookie cutter story but, Buckley is unapologetic in her performance risking everything for her one chance at the big time. Buckley's musical performances are fantastic and show strength throughout. Julie Walters is fantastic as Rose Lynn's long suffering mum. Walters is equal parts comforting and tough love. The onscreen bond between Buckley and Walters is heart warming and funny and feels natural.
I loved the structure of the film. The fact that this film is a musical of sorts I expected there would be a large amount of musical performances but, they were perfectly placed and not over used. The story itself doesn't glorify Rose Lynn's struggle in life, in Rose Lynn is unlikable at times and it is only toward the end of the second act that I actually started to sympathise with her. I loved the bond between Rose Lynn and Susannah that begins uneasy but, there seems to be a real affection between the two as the story progresses. The third act is a real roller coaster ride in itself, starting with a little bit of a bittersweet tone but, as the film reaches its climax there are some genuine heart warming moments.
Overall Wild Rose is a unique take on the journey of an aspiring singer. Where there is usually a heart warming and positive portrayal, Wild Rose is down on her luck tale of someone who can't get out of her own way. The musical numbers are great, Buckley's voice is fantastic. Wild Rose is a fantastic watch.
Comments
Post a Comment