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Dreamin' Wild

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02:27

Dreamin' Wild

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Summary

Musical drama based on the story of Donnie and Joe Emerson and their success after their 1979 album is rediscovered 30 years later.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Kevin Harley

Following his Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy (2014), writer/director Bill Pohlad dramatises another fragile musician's story with this sure, sensitive true-life tale. Brothers Donnie and Joe Emerson (Casey Affleck and Walton Goggins) were teenagers when they made their one album, the soulful Dreamin' Wild, in 1979. It went forgotten, until a cult reissues label revived interest in the LP 30 years on. Exploring the consequences of this rediscovery, Pohlad stresses its impact on Donnie in particular. While flashbacks show how his kindly father (Beau Bridges) practically bet the family farm on Donnie's talents, Pohlad digs into Donnie's later regrets about failing to fulfil this faith. Pohlad's folksy dialogue can be sentimental, but his supple direction sets an affecting mood of wistful midlife reflection. Measured turns from Affleck, Goggins, Bridges and (as Donnie's wife) Zooey Deschanel add warmth and subtle emotional details, too. As the Emersons' songs drift through the film, Dreamin' Wild reflects gently on family ties, unrealised ambition and the haunting power of music.

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6.3/10

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Credits

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rolenameDirectorBill Pohlad

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Languages

English

Formats

Colour

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