Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Supportive family at heart of music-based true story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dreamin' Wild
What's the Story?
When teenagers Donnie (Noah Jupe) and Joe Emerson (Jack Dylan Grazer), the sons of Spokane farmer Don Sr. (Beau Bridges), recorded their album DREAMIN' WILD in 1979, the response was dismal. Thirty years later, the Emerson brothers, now grown men (and played by Casey Affleck and Walton Goggins), receive a phone call that their vinyl original has gone viral -- and the public demands more.
Is It Any Good?
The critically acclaimed, indescribably magical quality of the music from the original Dreamin' Wild album is remarkably present in this story about the album's journey, too. There's something extraordinary about this perfect little film, with its rather small -- albeit exceptional -- story. Some of that can be credited to using the Emersons' tracks as the film's soundtrack. Another is Affleck's phenomenal performance -- he's able to communicate the depths of his character's internal struggle with a face twitch or by repeating a word five times in a row. While all of the actors fully and authentically embody their characters, director Bill Pohland often wisely holds the camera on Affleck to demonstrate why this story of long-awaited victory isn't a fist pump for Donnie. The road isn't as smooth as it seems, for reasons you don't expect, with a surprising outcome. And when you realize who the film's true hero is, the tears are likely to spill down your cheeks as you experience love through a screen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dreamin' Wild depicts family support. How did that extend to the boys working on the farm? What are examples of how your own family supports one another?
What are your ambitions/wildest dreams? Why are perseverance and teamwork key parts of achieving a goal?
Which characters demonstrate humility? Why is that an important character strength?
Who is the movie's main character? Who's the hero -- or heroes?
Discuss the film's final scene. Do you consider it a happy ending?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 4, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2023
- Cast : Casey Affleck , Walton Goggins , Zooey Deschanel , Beau Bridges
- Director : Bill Pohlad
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Humility , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and thematic elements
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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