Wild Mountain Thyme (2020) – A Quirky Irish Romance Rooted in Longing

Wild Mountain Thyme (2020) – A Quirky Irish Romance Rooted in Longing

Wild Mountain Thyme (2020), written and directed by John Patrick Shanley, is a lyrical and unconventional romantic drama set against the sweeping, green landscapes of rural Ireland. Starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan, the film blends heartfelt longing with whimsical oddity, crafting a love story that is both tender and slightly offbeat — much like the land and characters it portrays.

At the center of the story is Rosemary Muldoon (Blunt), a strong-willed Irish woman who has spent years harboring a quiet but unwavering love for her shy, awkward neighbor Anthony Reilly (Dornan). Anthony, however, is as emotionally elusive as he is eccentric — seemingly more comfortable talking to animals than admitting his own feelings. Their families have been entangled for generations, and the fate of the adjoining farmland — particularly a narrow strip of disputed land — becomes a symbolic battleground for unspoken emotions.

Complicating matters is the arrival of Adam (Jon Hamm), Anthony’s confident American cousin, who’s come from New York with money and charm and an interest in both Irish land and possibly Rosemary herself. This sets the stage for a subtle but emotionally rich conflict — not one of grand gestures or melodrama, but of emotional hesitations, cultural roots, and deeply human longing.

What makes Wild Mountain Thyme stand apart is its tone — whimsical, poetic, and often playfully surreal. The dialogue feels like it belongs in a stage play (which makes sense, given Shanley’s theatrical background), filled with lyrical monologues, philosophical musings, and a deep connection to nature and Irish identity. At times, it feels more like a fable than a conventional romance.

Emily Blunt delivers a charming and grounded performance, balancing Rosemary’s fierce independence with genuine vulnerability. Jamie Dornan leans fully into Anthony’s social awkwardness and emotional timidity, creating a character both endearing and infuriating. Their chemistry is built not on flirtation, but on a shared history and mutual stubbornness.

Visually, the film is a love letter to Ireland. Rolling hills, gray skies, stone fences, and soft rain create a backdrop that is as emotionally evocative as the story itself.

Wild Mountain Thyme may not be for everyone — its pacing is slow and its eccentricities intentional — but for those willing to embrace its odd charm, it offers a unique meditation on love, identity, and the courage to speak the heart’s quiet truths.