Wish Me Away

Wish Me Away, released in 2011 and directed by the duo of Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf, provides a candid and emotional exploration of the life of American country music singer Chely Wright. It's an intense biographical documentary that blends a wide range of elements such as music, psychology, and social issues.

The film features an unforgettable combination of stars from different sectors including Chely Wright herself, Jennifer Archer, and Howard Bragman. The story takes us behind the scenes of the Nashville music industry – and then, into the heart of Wright's personal journey.

Wish Me Away is not simply a film about the life of a country music star. This potent documentary puts a human face on the struggles faced by individuals wrestling with their identity while living under the limelight. It neither glamorizes the struggles of stardom nor succumbs to melodrama. Instead, it tells a raw and honest narrative of personal discovery and authenticity.

Grounding her narrative in reality and honesty, the beloved Country singer-songwriter Wright reveals her innermost feelings and fears, the turmoil inside her, and the price she had to pay for keeping her biggest secret suppressed.

The film extensively uses Wright's personal video diaries, where she has confided her deepest feelings, her daily battles, and her remarkable journey of acceptance. These private vlogs are an honest inclusion that adds a layer of authenticity to Wright’s journey through her struggles and they are one of the primary sources of storytelling for the film.

Chely Wright shared the challenging experiences of her personal life, the fear of losing her career due to her identity, and the distress caused by the paradox of being a popular figure with a secret life. It's a distinct narrative about courage, exploration, and escapism.

Alongside Chely Wright, the film introduces key figures in her life, including her family members, her confidants, her music industry colleagues, and her influential allies such as public relations expert Howard Bragman. Their perspectives contribute to the broader storyline and offer a sense of the environment and culture in which Chely spent most of her adult life.

Jennifer Archer, Wright's sister, also provides emotional testimonials, sharing their childhood memories and the familial bonds that gained new meaning through Wright's journey. The familial interactions and revelations add emotional depth to the movie.

Wish Me Away, while being a personal document of Wright’s life, also underlines the broader implications of the lack of LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the country music industry of Nashville. It presents the industry as a microcosm of the larger societal attitudes prevalent.

Wright’s realization of her sexuality while navigating her career in an industry that is deeply steeped in traditional mores provides an insightful look into the wider social issue. The film seeks to prompt viewers to grapple with their perception of cultural norms and the pressures they impose.

The storyline oscillates between heart-wrenching quiet moments of Wright’s personal struggle to upbeat moments of her pursuing her passion for music, creating a well-balanced narrative that is deeply engaging. The documentary also showcases snippets of her concerts, further expanding our understanding of the dynamics of her life and the compelling transformation she underwent.

The film takes an unconventional but rewarding approach by combining the intimacy of a personal diary with the public spectacle of a life in the limelight, all combined with a melodic backdrop of Wright’s music.

Overall, Wish Me Away is an intimate portrait of Chely Wright's journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and ultimately, her brave step to come out as gay in a conservative realm. This movie serves to inspire viewers, offering a powerful statement about the courage to be authentic and live one's truth. A must-watch for lovers of music, biographical documentaries, and those who appreciate emotionally resonant storytelling that doesn’t shy away from addressing larger social issues.