Jessie Buckley's 'Wild Rose' Paved the Way for Her Oscar Moment in 'Hamnet'

The British music drama laid the foundations for Buckley's acclaimed performance as Agnes Hathaway in the Shakespeare biopic.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Jessie Buckley's Oscar-nominated turn in the Shakespeare biopic "Hamnet" has brought her widespread acclaim, but the Irish actress first showcased her raw talent and emotional range in the 2018 British drama "Wild Rose." In the film, Buckley plays Rose-Lynn, a single mother in Glasgow with dreams of making it as a country singer in Nashville. The role required Buckley to be convincing as both a struggling musician and a flawed, complicated human being, laying the groundwork for the type of performance she would deliver in "Hamnet."

Why it matters

"Wild Rose" proved that Buckley had the versatility and emotional depth to take on challenging, complex roles that go beyond simple archetypes. Her performance in the film highlighted her ability to balance the light and dark sides of her characters, a skill that would serve her well in the grief-stricken world of "Hamnet." The film also demonstrated Buckley's musical talents, which were crucial for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare.

The details

In "Wild Rose," Buckley plays Rose-Lynn, a single mother who dreams of leaving her life in Glasgow behind to pursue a music career in Nashville. The role required her to be convincing as both a talented singer and a flawed, troubled individual struggling with the responsibilities of motherhood. Buckley rose to the challenge, delivering a performance that was both raw and nuanced, showcasing the kind of emotional range that would later earn her an Oscar nomination for "Hamnet."

  • "Wild Rose" was released in 2018, three years before Buckley's acclaimed performance in "Hamnet."
  • Buckley's Oscar nomination for "Hamnet" came in 2026.

The players

Jessie Buckley

An Irish actress who has received critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Wild Rose" and "Hamnet."

Rose-Lynn

The character Buckley played in the 2018 film "Wild Rose," a single mother in Glasgow with dreams of becoming a country singer in Nashville.

Agnes Hathaway

The character Buckley played in the 2026 film "Hamnet," the wife of William Shakespeare who experiences unimaginable loss.

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What’s next

Buckley's Oscar nomination for "Hamnet" is expected to bring even more attention to her impressive body of work, including her standout performance in "Wild Rose." Fans of the actress will likely seek out the 2018 film to see the early signs of the talent that would later earn her critical acclaim.

The takeaway

Jessie Buckley's journey from the gritty streets of Glasgow to the Shakespearean world of "Hamnet" is a testament to her versatility and emotional depth as an actress. "Wild Rose" laid the groundwork for her Oscar-nominated performance, showcasing the raw, vulnerable, and determined spirit that would come to define her most acclaimed roles.