Following the success of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born (2018), Wild Rose, a film with a more modest budget and profile, also premiered. While both films explore similar themes, A Star Is Born hinges on elements of fortune alongside talent, Wild Rose focuses more on the protagonist’s perseverance, portraying a less straightforward path to success.
Rose-Lynn (Jessie Buckley), recently released from prison, faces the reality of her former life’s disruption. Rebuilding trust with her children and her mother, Marion (Julie Walters), presents a significant challenge. Rose-Lynn secures employment as a cleaner for a wealthy family, where her singing talent is discovered. This chance encounter initiates a chain of events with the potential for significant advancement. However, Rose-Lynn’s lack of self-awareness and honesty creates obstacles in her journey.
While A Star Is Born captivates with its elaborate scenes and celebrity cast, Wild Rose excels through compelling performances and unexpected plot developments. Jessie Buckley, the Irish singer and actress, delivers a convincing portrayal of a working-class woman aspiring to greater heights. The film features several poignant scenes involving her children and mother. Having previously noted Buckley’s performance in Chernobyl, her work here further solidifies her presence on my radar. However, the character of Rose-Lynn is presented as inherently unlikeable, often appearing as a selfish individual living precariously.
Dame Julie Walters delivers a remarkable performance as Marion, portraying warmth and affection beneath a stern exterior. Wild Rose features several well-acted and directed sequences that effectively engage the audience with the characters’ lives.
The screenplay, penned by Nicole Taylor in her feature film debut, demonstrates both intelligence and realism. The narrative avoids predictable tropes, circumventing instances where convenient coincidences might have propelled the plot forward. This approach, while initially frustrating for viewers seeking a conventional Hollywood resolution, ultimately leads to a more realistic and satisfying conclusion upon reflection.
The Blu-ray edition provides the expected Full HD visual quality, although some artifacting was observed in darker scenes. The audio presentation is adequate, with enhanced clarity during musical sequences. However, the edition is a basic release lacking supplementary content. For film enthusiasts who collect physical media, comprehensive editions are highly valued. While interviews with the cast and director are available on the import version at a slightly higher price, their absence on this release is disappointing.
In conclusion, Wild Rose is a well-acted film distinguished by its talented cast and strong script, making it a worthwhile viewing experience. The underwhelming Blu-ray edition, however, prevents a full recommendation of Wild Rose on this format.
