The Wild Rose movie remains one of the most celebrated musical dramas of the past decade. Since its release in 2018, the film has only grown in popularity, thanks to renewed attention on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and social media platforms where fans continue to praise its heartfelt story, unforgettable soundtrack, and powerhouse performance from Jessie Buckley.
As of November 2025, Wild Rose stands as a timeless tale about dreams, redemption, and the power of music — one that still resonates with audiences across generations. Let’s take a closer look at why this film continues to strike a chord with viewers nearly seven years later.
The Story at the Heart of Wild Rose
At its core, the Wild Rose movie tells the story of Rose-Lynn Harlan, a young single mother from Glasgow, Scotland, who dreams of becoming a country music star. After serving a 12-month prison sentence, Rose-Lynn returns home to her two children and faces the reality of rebuilding her life.
Despite her criminal record and the challenges of motherhood, her passion for country music burns stronger than ever. Rose-Lynn works as a housekeeper for Susannah, a wealthy woman who quickly recognizes her incredible talent. With Susannah’s encouragement and her own mother Marion’s reluctant support, Rose-Lynn sets her sights on Nashville, hoping to turn her dream into reality.
However, the film doesn’t romanticize her journey. It portrays the real-world struggle between ambition and responsibility — a tug-of-war many people can relate to.
A Realistic and Emotional Portrait of Ambition
One reason Wild Rose stands out is its honest portrayal of ambition. Rather than presenting success as inevitable, it explores the sacrifices and consequences that come with chasing a dream.
Rose-Lynn’s determination is inspiring but flawed; her desire to pursue music often conflicts with her duties as a mother. This moral tension makes the film more than just another “rise to fame” story. It’s a story about personal growth — about learning that success isn’t only measured by fame, but by love, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.
Director Tom Harper captures this emotional realism beautifully, using Glasgow’s gritty streets and Nashville’s vibrant music culture to reflect Rose-Lynn’s internal conflict.
The Cast: A Perfect Ensemble of Emotion and Talent
The performances in Wild Rose are nothing short of exceptional. Each actor brings depth and humanity to their role, grounding the story in authenticity.
- Jessie Buckley (Rose-Lynn Harlan):
Buckley delivers a raw, emotional, and utterly captivating performance. Her ability to combine vulnerability with fiery passion makes Rose-Lynn one of the most relatable and complex female characters in recent film history. Buckley also performs all her own vocals, adding a layer of sincerity that elevates the entire movie. - Julie Walters (Marion):
As Rose-Lynn’s mother, Walters provides the emotional anchor of the film. Her portrayal of a woman torn between frustration and unconditional love for her daughter is deeply moving. The scenes between Walters and Buckley are some of the most powerful in the film — filled with both pain and tenderness. - Sophie Okonedo (Susannah):
Okonedo’s role as Rose-Lynn’s wealthy employer adds another layer to the story, highlighting class differences and the way music bridges divides. Her performance is graceful, compassionate, and quietly powerful.
Together, these actors form the emotional backbone of Wild Rose, each one contributing to a story that feels real, universal, and unforgettable.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Minds of Wild Rose
The Wild Rose film was brought to life by an exceptional creative team whose collaboration resulted in one of the most emotionally authentic music dramas in modern cinema.
- Director: Tom Harper — known for The Aeronauts and Peaky Blinders, Harper’s direction balances realism with warmth, turning what could have been a simple story into something profound.
- Screenwriter: Nicole Taylor — a Glasgow native, Taylor infused the script with authenticity, drawing from her own love of music and working-class roots. Her writing captures both the humor and heartbreak of life, grounding the film in emotional truth.
- Producers: The film was produced by Fable Pictures and BFI, with strong support from BBC Films, ensuring it retained its independent charm and creative freedom.
Taylor has described Wild Rose as “a love letter to Glasgow and the women who hold everything together,” and that sentiment shines through every scene.
The Music That Defines the Wild Rose Movie
No discussion of Wild Rose would be complete without mentioning its soundtrack, which serves as the heartbeat of the film. The music blends traditional country influences with a Scottish edge, perfectly reflecting Rose-Lynn’s journey.
Key songs from the soundtrack include:
- “Country Girl” – The film’s anthem, capturing Rose-Lynn’s fiery determination and spirit.
- “Born to Run” – A rousing track that mirrors her restless energy and need to break free.
- “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” – The emotional centerpiece, written by Mary Steenburgen, which brings the story full circle in a deeply moving finale.
Jessie Buckley’s live performances in the film add authenticity rarely seen in musical dramas. Her voice — soulful, strong, and aching with emotion — transforms the songs into confessions of the heart.
The soundtrack reached No. 1 on the U.K. Country Albums Chart, and the song “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” received multiple nominations, including Best Original Song at major awards ceremonies.
Critical Reception and Awards
Upon its release, Wild Rose earned widespread critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and music. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2018, where it received a standing ovation and glowing early reviews.
In the U.K. and U.S., critics praised it as a fresh, honest take on the music dream narrative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an impressive 95% approval rating, reflecting near-universal praise.
Major accolades and nominations include:
- BAFTA Nomination: Best Actress (Jessie Buckley)
- British Independent Film Awards: Best Music and Best Actress
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Nomination for Best Original Song (“Glasgow (No Place Like Home)”)
Audiences and critics alike called Wild Rose “uplifting,” “authentic,” and “emotionally unforgettable.”
Where to Watch Wild Rose in 2025
For those who haven’t yet experienced this gem, the Wild Rose movie is currently available on several streaming platforms. As of November 2025, you can find it on:
- Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+ (rental or purchase)
- Google Play Movies
- Hulu (limited regions)
The Blu-ray and digital editions also include behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew — offering fans a closer look at how the film came together.
The Lasting Impact of Wild Rose
What makes Wild Rose stand out in 2025 is its enduring emotional relevance. Its story speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to balance their dreams with their responsibilities.
Rose-Lynn’s journey reminds viewers that ambition doesn’t have to fade with hardship — it can evolve. Her realization that she doesn’t need to leave her roots behind to succeed is a message that continues to inspire audiences today.
In a time when people are redefining what success means, Wild Rose feels more relevant than ever. It’s a film that celebrates working-class resilience, motherhood, and the transformative power of music.
Jessie Buckley: From Wild Rose to Hollywood Star
For Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose was more than a breakout — it was a launchpad. Her fearless portrayal of Rose-Lynn opened doors to major film and television projects.
Since 2018, Buckley has starred in acclaimed titles such as:
- The Lost Daughter (2021) – Which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
- Women Talking (2022) – A powerful ensemble drama that won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.
- Fargo (2023, Season 5) – Where her chilling performance received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Despite her growing fame, Buckley often credits Wild Rose as the role that changed her life. It showcased not only her acting talent but also her musical ability — a combination that few performers can match.
Why Wild Rose Still Matters Today
Seven years after its debut, Wild Rose continues to connect with audiences because it speaks to timeless human emotions: hope, regret, and redemption.
It’s not a story about fame — it’s a story about finding yourself when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s about realizing that dreams can change and that home — both literal and emotional — is sometimes the place you’ve been running from all along.
As one critic perfectly summarized, Wild Rose isn’t about becoming a star. It’s about becoming whole.
The Wild Rose movie remains a triumph of music, storytelling, and emotion — a film that continues to touch hearts in 2025 just as powerfully as it did in 2018. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or returning to it after years, Rose-Lynn’s story still sings loud and true.
Have you watched Wild Rose yet? Share your thoughts on Jessie Buckley’s performance and your favorite song from the film in the comments below!