Only one of the races in the acting categories at the 2026 Oscars was locked-in long before the ceremony, and that was Jessie Buckley’s long-overdue Oscar. It feels like an exaggeration to say someone who broke onto the scene relatively recently has always deserved an Oscar, but Jessie Buckley earns the compliment with the acting range she has already displayed.
Jessie Buckley is an underrated actress who makes every movie she appears in better and is often the best part of a movie she is in, even in minor roles opposite bigger names in the industry. If you’re looking for more movies that showcase the Oscar winner’s acting talents, you should look no further than her 2018 movie, Wild Rose.
Jessie Buckley Is The Lead Actress In Wild Rose
Tom Harper’s Wild Rose stars Jessie Buckley as the titular protagonist, Rose-Lynn Harlan. The movie starts with her departure from prison, and it is revealed immediately after that she wants to become a successful country singer in Nashville. As a single mother of two living in Glasgow, her dream will be hard to fulfill, even if she’s a promising singer.
Her prison record also complicates her job search, but she manages to find work as a cleaning lady. Balancing her musical aspirations and her responsibilities as a mother while holding on to her job proves hard, and she regularly alienates her children due to her neglectful ways. Wild Rose ensures it is hard to sympathize with her in these moments.
Even if you don’t like musicals or biopics, you will love this movie about music because Wild Rose is a compelling character drama that focuses as much on the side characters as it does on the protagonist and her aspirations. Rose is not a typically dysfunctional popstar, but what seems like dedication to her proves hurtful to those around her.
Jessie Buckley Sings All The Songs Her Character Sings
If you were already in awe of Jessie Buckley’s acting talents, WIld Rose gives her a stage to showcase another side of her versatile portfolio as a performer. Every time that Rose-Lynn Harlan sings in the movie, it is Jessie Buckley’s own voice singing. Buckley’s singing proves that she has the vocal range and control of any A-list singer today.
Buckley’s latest film, The Bride! is a horror movie with musical sequences where she demonstrates her talents as a dancer but also proves how her history as a theater performer gives her the ability to command a stage and a live audience. Buckley’s head-turning singing in Wild Rose will convince you she was always meant to be a playback singer.
Every Country Music Fan Will Love The Movie’s Soundtrack
Experts of country music will be better able to evaluate WIld Rose‘s selection, but as a lay person invested in the titular character’s arc, I found the film to have a suitably appropriate soundtrack of great country songs. Every fan of the genre will love how diverse the selection is, from loud, headbanging chart-toppers to quiet and moody tunes.
Rose-Lynn’s love for the genre is made apparent by her nuanced understanding of country music. Every time she speaks about country music, it is clear why she is inspired by the genre. So, from the playlist that she listens to in the movie to the songs she covers when performing, Wild Rose‘s soundtrack has something for every country music fan.
The Protagonist’s Arc Represents A Main Theme Of Country Music
What makes WIld Rose one of the best movies about music is its appreciation of the genre that it focuses on. Rose-Lynn Harlan’s journey in the movie is about discovering her own creative potential, as she is advised by a radio host to hone her writing skills. She’s already a great singer, but she needs to find her own voice.
Rose’s disdain for Glasgow and her own life prove detrimental as she constantly alienates her loved ones. Once she learns to appreciate the positives in her current life, she becomes a better mother, friend, daughter, and singer. Two of country music’s most persistent themes are freedom and a love for one’s home. Rose’s journey in WIld Rose reflects these themes.
Wild Rose Proves Jessie Buckley Has Always Been One Of The Greats
I would go so far as to say Jessie Buckley gives an Oscar-worthy performance in WIld Rose, and it’s not even the first time she gave a leading performance that should have won her the prestigious award she finally won last weekend. Balancing the sympathetic and aggravating character traits isn’t easy, but Buckley’s natural performance makes you forget she’s acting.
Jessie Buckley’s performance in WIld Rose is alone reason enough to conclude that she is one of the best Irish actresses ever. Her portrayal of Rose’s desperation, which ultimately leads to outbursts despite her casual attitude, keeps you invested in the titular protagonist’s journey.
