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Our reporter Dani hit the red carpet to speak to the talent behind Wild Rose, the Festival Gala at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival.
Wild Rose follows a young Glaswegian single mother straight out of prison who tries to balance the realities of life with her dreams of becoming a country music singer in Nashville, Tennessee. The film has received high praise since it's premiere at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this year, and will be on general release in the UK next year.
Dani spoke with the star of the film Jessie Buckley, as well as director Tom Harper (BBC's War and Peace) and producer Faye Ward (Suffragette) at the London premiere last night. They explain how screenwriter Nicole Taylor (BBC's Three Girls)'s passion for country music has made them all converts and why it's important to pay attention to the honest portrayals of life you get from a genre that's often over looked.
Wild Rose is released in cinemas on 19 April 2019.
Click through to our Spotlight on Music resource to learn how you can explore music and film in the classroom.
Dani reviews Wild Rose
Unashamedly bold and feisty, Wild Rose tells the story of young Glaswegian country singer Rose Lynn following her 12 month prison sentence. The film depicts her struggle to balance chasing her dreams of going to Nashville with the demands of motherhood.
Jessie Buckley's performance is faultless, capturing the raw spirit of country music in the wit and blunt charm of the plucky young mother effortlessly. Personally, I found Rose Lynn's character difficult to sympathise with in the beginning, which naturally caused my high expectations for the film to waver, however, Buckley's portrayal of her character's development as the plot unfolded moved me and allowed me to regain all lost respect I had for Rose Lynn. The end, in particular, left me with goosebumps and a slight sense of guilt that I had ever doubted the spirit of Jessie's country singer.
The country music that dominates the film blends seamlessly with the plot with the lyrics complimenting the tone of certain moments beautifully. The whole film has a dreamlike quality to it which is anchored down by Julie Walters' stern depiction of Rose Lynn's no-nonsense mother. The conflict between mother and daughter, realist and dreamer, is one that is all too familiar for many people, therefore adding to the feeling of inspiration that comes with such a feel good film.
Ultimately, Wild Rose encapsulates the importance of having passion in life through Rose Lynn's pure devotion to country music and her iron clad will to achieve her dreams.
