Jessica Chastain has repeatedly proven her versatility, including her ability to inhabit musical roles, notably her Oscar-winning portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' and her Emmy-nominated turn as Tammy Wynette in 'George & Tammy.' Now, she's once again donning cowboy boots and stepping onto a country stage, but 'Heartland' promises a narrative far darker than her previous forays.
Directed by Shana Feste, known for her work on the country music drama 'Country Strong' and the horror-thriller 'Run Sweetheart Run,' 'Heartland' appears to be a natural fusion of the filmmaker's established interests. Feste combines the Nashville music scene with a gripping mystery, creating a unique cinematic experience. The film's official logline teases a compelling plot: "Former country legend, Misty Jones, comes out of seclusion to investigate the disappearance of her missing niece, a rising country musician, and must grapple with her own past and Nashville’s seedy underbelly. Her search uncovers a murky side of Nashville where no one, including Misty, is who they seem."
Chastain stars as Misty Jones, a once-iconic country singer who left the glitz and grime of Nashville behind. Her quiet life is shattered by the news that her niece, a burgeoning artist played by real-life rising singer Carter Faith, has vanished. This forces Misty back into the very world she sought to escape, leading her down a path filled with secrets and deceit. As she digs deeper into the disappearance, Misty must confront not only the dark undercurrents of the music industry but also her own complicated history.
The film isn't just a thriller; it's also a musical journey. Jessica Chastain will contribute her own vocals to the soundtrack, showcasing her musical talents once more. The accompanying soundtrack will feature original performances from several cast members, including three-time Grammy winner Jennifer Nettles, Ross Lynch, and CMA nominee Carter Faith. They are joined by a roster of acclaimed musicians like Margo Price, Carly Pearce, Eddy Dunlap, Channing Wilson, and Dave “Fergie” Ferguson, promising an authentic and rich country soundscape to complement the unfolding drama.
Beyond Chastain and Faith, the ensemble cast includes familiar faces such as Garrett Hedlund, who previously worked with Feste on 'Country Strong,' alongside Paul Sparks, John Hawkes, Hill Harper, Norbert Leo Butz, Wynn Everett, Isabelle Kusman, and David Rysdahl.
'Heartland' is slated to premiere exclusively on Netflix on Friday, November 13, making it a prime streaming event for mystery and country music fans alike. The film's soundtrack will also be available across all streaming services on the same day, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in the world of Misty Jones.