Jessica Chastain’s New Crime Thriller Takes Her to Nashville

While scrolling YouTube recently, I spotted the thumbnail for a movie called Heartland, starring Oscar winner Jessica Chastain. My immediate impulse was to pass it by. That title — and, to a lesser extent, the image — made me think it was some sort of family drama. That genre isn't usually my cup of tea unless someone strongly recommends it.

But hold the phone! There's a reason we have the old saying, "Never judge a book by its cover." THIS Heartland is a crime thriller set in Nashville, and that changes everything.

First, I've been to Music City more times than I can count, so I'll recognize some familiar landmarks when I watch the film. And I will. And secondly, crime thrillers are my jam. I'm the guy who always wanted Law & Order to do a spinoff set in Nashville, but that was never going to happen.

Jessica Chastain Heads to Nashville for a Crime Thriller

A Netflix production, Heartland, which was filmed in both Nashville and Atlanta, centers on former country music superstar Misty Jones (Chastain), who emerges from seclusion to search for her missing niece, Charlie Heart. Played by rising country singer Carter Faith, Charlie is making a name for herself in the music business. Misty's search takes her into the dark underbelly of Nashville's music industry while bringing her own troubled past back into focus. And if the trailer is any indication, this isn't going to be a feel-good trip to Music City.

Viewer discretion advised: The trailer contains strong language and an obscene gesture.

A Country Music Connection Runs Through Heartland

Chastain is no stranger to country music. She portrayed the late country icon Tammy Wynette in Showtime's George & Tammy, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy nomination for her performance.

She also does her own singing in Heartland and joins Jennifer Nettles, who plays fellow country star Winnie Jo Lean, to perform the film's title song. The film also stars Garrett Hedlund and Oscar nominee John Hawkes. Country music legend Tracy Lawrence also makes a cameo.

Heartland premieres on Netflix November 13.