Wild Rose – Palace Nova
(Reviewed by John Glennie)
A delightful story about Rose-Lynn, a young singer in Glasgow, who dreams of being a star in in the world-country-music capital of Nashville. Rose is superbly played by Jessie Buckley – I thought she may have been lip-synching but later learned that Irish-born Jessie was runner-up in BBC talent show I’d Do Anything as well as being highly accomplished on the piano, clarinet and harp. She has also had roles in BBC series War & Peace, Taboo and The Last Post.
Back to the movie, which opens with “wild” Rose being released from prison after serving a 12-month sentence for heroin possession. She returns home to sour looks from her mother Marion (Dame Julie Walters) and a less-than-warm reception from her two young children. Her old gig as a regular country singer in the local bar has since been taken up by another singer, much to Rose’ disgust.
She still knows that deep down she belongs in Nashville and is determined to make it – the determination and its heart-wrenching impact on her two young children is felt by the audience on several occasions. She takes a cleaning job for Susannah (Sophie Okonedo) at their beautiful mansion. Susannah’s kids hear Rose singing which leads Susannah to help her get recognition through a country recording guru in London.
Rose’ dream becoming reality looks like coming to fruition when Susannah holds a party to help raise funds for her travels. Anyway, won’t give away any more of this delightful story which shows great humour combined with some inner conflicts and the aforementioned heart-wrenching moments.
Do make the effort to see this movie, I do not think you will be disappointed – we certainly weren’t!
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