“Dreamin’ Wild” A Well-Crafted Film About Emerson Brothers’ Renewed Recognition

“Dreamin’ Wild,” the true story of love and redemption, is about what happened to singer/songwriter Donnie Emerson and his family when the album he and his brother recorded as teens was rediscovered after thirty years of obscurity and was suddenly hailed by music critics as a lost masterpiece.

While the album’s rediscovery brings hopes of second chances, it also brings long-buried emotions as Donnie, his wife Nancy, brother Joe, and father Don Sr. come to terms with the past and their newly found fame.

“Dreamin’ Wild” is a 2023 independent film that has a great heartwarming story, excellent performances all around and has a great use of the Emerson brothers’ music. While the film can slightly drag a little during a few scenes here and there, this indie film is still worth a look.

While I was watching the film, I noticed that “Dreamin’ Wild” isn’t your typical musical comeback story. Now, this film does give you some moments where we see how the Emerson brothers reacted to the rediscovery of their music after three decades. But, the film primarily focuses on some of the struggles that the family has been going through, which makes the film feel emotional.

Throughout the film, we also get to see several flashbacks to the brothers’ youth as their love for music was slowly beginning to take off. And  during these flashbacks, we see how the Emerson family has stuck together to do everything possible to make the brothers’ music dreams come true and the financial struggles the family endured to make their dreams possible.

“Dreamin’ Wild” also focuses on the relationship of the brothers (played amazingly by Casey Affleck and Walter Goggins) and how the rediscovery of their album has stirred up some long-buried emotions and introduced new complexities to their relationship.

We also get to see how the album’s comeback has affected Donnie (Affleck) as he sees this as an opportunity to revisit his music dream and give it another shot.

Even if you’re not familiar with Emerson's music (like myself) or if you do enjoy indie music, “Dreamin’ Wild” is a film that you should check out on streaming. Throughout the film, we hear quite a few songs from their indie album that fans of indie music will very likely enjoy!

So, while the film can drag a little bit, “Dreamin’ Wild” does a good job delivering us a heartfelt story and an authentic portrayal of the Emerson brothers’ musical journey. The film’s exploration of dreams, family, forgiveness and the possibility of second chances also adds a nice little touch to the film.     

Trivia: “Dreamin’ Wild” began principal photography in October 2021, in Spokane, Washington. The film had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2022. In March 2023, independent film company Roadside Attractions acquired distribution rights and released the film in August 2023.

MPA: Rated PG for language and thematic elements   (runtime 111 minutes)   (currently streaming on Hulu)

• Filmed in Spokane, Washington in 2021.

• Around 30 minutes into the film, when Don Sr. (Beau Bridges) is building the practice place, the real Don Sr. can be seen holding the ladder for him.

• The film had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2022.