Directed by Shana Feste (Country Strong), Heartland stars Jessica Chastain (Interstellar) as Misty Jones, a former country music superstar who comes out of seclusion when her niece, Charlie Heart (Carter Faith), a rising musician, goes missing. Determined to find her, Misty returns to Nashville, where her search draws her into the darker side of the music industry and forces her to confront aspects of her own past. With a striking setting, plenty of country music and a compelling central performance from Chastain, there’s plenty to enjoy here. However, a somewhat lacklustre story prevents the film from reaching its full potential, resulting in an uneven but mostly entertaining ride.
One of the strongest elements of Heartland is its setting, with Feste capturing a darker side of Nashville than audiences might expect. Rather than focusing on the bright lights of Broadway, with its bustling streets and lively crowds, the film takes us into the seedier underbelly of the music industry, where manipulation, control and addiction are never far from the surface. It creates a gritty atmosphere that feels just as compelling as the more glamorous side of country music, drawing you into a world where success comes at a cost. That’s not to say there’s any shortage of music, though, with live performances in concert venues and bars providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the genre. Cowboy hats are everywhere, and an excellent soundtrack of country tunes plays consistently throughout, adding plenty of character to the film. It’s a fun setting that gives Heartland a distinct identity, and fans of country will find plenty to enjoy in its aesthetic and sound.
Unfortunately, the mystery at the heart of Heartland is a bit hit or miss. While the characters are compelling, particularly Chastain’s feisty Misty Jones, the story surrounding them is far too messy to consistently hold your attention. The whodunnit element is arguably its weakest aspect, with the film making it so obvious who the real villain is that there’s little surprise when everything is eventually revealed. The dialogue is similarly inconsistent, fluctuating between engaging character drama and rather dull exchanges that struggle to maintain momentum. There are other revelations along the way, some of which are introduced early enough to let the audience sit with them, providing moments of intrigue as the story unfolds. However, they rarely land with the impact the script seems to think they do. For a film blending music, Western elements and thriller territory, there’s also a surprising lack of genuine tension, with the missing-person storyline feeling particularly predictable. There’s an interesting idea here, but the muddled storytelling prevents Heartland from making the most of its genre mash-up.
Keeping you hooked throughout is, of course, Jessica Chastain, who rarely misses, and Heartland is no exception. There’s plenty of mileage to be had from seeing her take on country tunes, throw herself into Misty’s feisty, frantic mannerisms and deliver the emotional weight needed to sell the film’s twists and turns. She’s a real force here, bringing plenty of personality to a character who could easily have been less interesting in weaker hands, even if the material around her fluctuates in quality. Musician Carter Faith is another strong addition to the cast, bringing both acting ability and musical talent to the role. Having enjoyed a successful year, including a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 60th Annual CMA Awards, Faith’s country credentials are clear, and her screen presence makes her a welcome addition. Garrett Hedlund (Inside Llewyn Davis) and Ross Lynch (Teen Beach Movie) also deliver solid turns, helping round out the ensemble, but it’s Chastain who commands the screen and makes the most lasting impression.
Heartland might get lost when tackling its core storyline, but there’s enough here to make it a worthwhile watch. Feste creates a world with plenty of character, and Chastain’s commitment to the role goes a long way towards making up for the film’s shortcomings. While the script could have done more to keep audiences guessing and make its central mystery feel less predictable, the combination of country music, a gritty atmosphere and a strong lead performance gives the film its own appeal. It doesn’t quite strike all the right notes, but there’s still plenty to enjoy if you’re willing to go along for the ride.
