by Shane Conto
What would be the perfect and most magical place to set a romantic comedy? The luscious and verdant fields of Ireland would be the most ideal of course! Wild Mountain Thyme is able to capture Ireland through-and-through as it portrays the rolling hills and beautiful shots of farm life. You can tell passion was infused into this film by writer-director John Patrick Shanley who comes from an Irish family. But can the romance at the heart of this film channel the same beauty and passion as the beautifully shot setting?
Wild Mountain Thyme definitely seems to be a passion project of Shanley as the visuals are eye-popping throughout.
Every frame has gorgeous greens and a heart-warming feel of home. The film also boasts an energy that drives the story forward and a charm that makes you enjoy viewing it. One concern that causes issues upon viewing is an inconsistent tone that is hard to wrangle. There are times that are quirky and awkward that fit nicely for laughs, but then the subject matter can get darker (with even a storm rolling in to make the symbolism even more on-the-nose) and the film struggles to translate it. The film definitely works more when it is being odd. One aspect that does bolster the film is the music. Not only is the score from Amelia Warner elegant and soulful, but the use of music in the film is heartwarming and charming. This highlights some of the more emotionally poignant scenes in the film.
But can Shanley deliver the same heart and soul into the screenplay that he does in his portrayal of the setting?
The film balances romance, familial relationships, and small-town politics with a focus on the lifelong relationship of two of the strangest members of this small Irish village. Rosemary and Anthony are…different but their whole town knows it. Rosemary is a wild spirit who spends much of her time chasing after a rambunctious horse and dealing with some deep-seated issues. Anthony has a tendency to be found speaking to things while also having a fascination with hobbies like walking around with a metal detector. The film works best when it is leaning into the weird and quirky aspects of the film. The silly and fun banter between Rosemary and Anthony make the film stick out in a world full of romantic comedies. The climax of the film is filled with crazy realizations that are so out there that they are too fun not to enjoy. The father-son dynamic that Anthony shares with his father is also a strong aspect of the film. Some of the other plot threads might be one too many to focus on, but this charming film still works despite them.
The performances are certainly one of the most significant aspects to discuss about the film.
It is time to discuss the elephant in the room…Christopher Walken’s accent. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT? Bad…just bad. BUT he does deliver some of his best acting and emotional poignancy since Seven Psychopaths. Emily Blunt is just a charmer and there is nothing I need to add about her performance…but I will anyway. She delivers the laughs, the emotions, and her singing is a nice little treat to add too. Jamie Dornan is solid in the film too and fits much better play the offbeat Anthony than he does playing straightforward romance leads. Then Jon Hamm shows up for a bit and is…well…Jon Hamm which is enough for his role.
Will Wild Mountain Thyme go down as the next great romantic comedy in the hallow halls of When Harry Met Sally and Some Like It Hot?
I definitely wouldn’t go that far. Are you willing to go and lose yourself in a strange and quirky tale? If so, you will definitely get a kick out of this romance. Bleecker Street has a charming little gem on their hands with Wild Mountain Thyme.
Grade: B-