Chely Wright: Wish Me Away

Chely Wright: Wish Me Away is a candid, poignant, and deeply personal documentary that delves into the life of country music star Chely Wright. This groundbreaking film presents an intimate portrait of Chely's struggle with her sexuality, her decision to publicly come out as a lesbian, and the ramifications this has on her personal life, country music career, and place in contemporary society.

Directed by Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf, the film stars Chely Wright, who opens up not only about her music career but also confides her deepest conflicts and insecurities. Echoing throughout the film are the searing truths behind her decision to publicly come out in a music genre often known for its conservative values.

Featured in the documentary are prominent celebrities Rosie O'Donnell and Meredith Viera, who provide their perspective and support to Chely's journey. Rosie, also a prominent member of the LGBT community, adds an interesting depth to the film with her own experiences, while Meredith Viera brings a sense of understanding and empathy to the narrative.

One point in the documentary that appears time and again is Chely's struggle with her religious beliefs. Raised Christian and groomed in the conservative stronghold of Kansas, she struggles with reconciling her faith and her sexuality. Wright's contemplation and struggle with her identity, set within the limits of her religious upbringing, make this documentary a raw and powerful assist to the conversation about the intersection of sexuality and religion in modern society.

The film also circles the trepidation and fear Chely Wright felt as she made her decision to come out, and the potential ramifications on her career in the notoriously conservative field of country music. Reflecting on her already successful career at this point, with hits like "Single White Female," the prospect of her fans and the wider country music industry rejecting her was daunting, yet, Wright made the courageous choice to stay true to herself.

Chely Wright: Wish Me Away includes a combination of interviews, home video footage, and snapshots from her journey, all of which paints a clear picture of the hurdles she had to surmount. You watch Wright as she goes through the motions of hope, fear, courage, resilience, and finally self-acceptance, each phase marked with raw honesty, a testament to her strength of character.

Yet, the film is not all about torment and struggle. The directors do an exceptional job of contrasting Chely's turmoil with her achievements in country music. Scenes showing Chely's performances, fan interactions, and studio time provide insights into her life as a country music star and how this public façade of her life collides with her private identity crisis.

Moreover, in the face of her struggles, the heart-warming support that Chely receives from her friends is an affirmation of human kindness and understanding. Her parents, her peers from her music career and beyond stand by her in her quest for authenticity. This beautiful representation of camaraderie adds a powerful layer of positivity to the narrative.

Chely Wright: Wish Me Away is an exceptional exploration of the complexities of personal identity in the face of societal expectations, traditional values, and one's own perceived imperfections. More than just an engaging biography about 'coming out,' the film provides a greater conversation about acceptance, love, truth, and the courage to be oneself in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this film is more than just a country music star's professional biography. It is a human story that paves the way for conversations on acceptance and understanding within and beyond the music industry. Chely Wright: Wish Me Away provides critical insights into the human struggle for acceptance and the fight to establish personal truth. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be one's authentic self. It is a testament to the fact that love, acceptance, and authenticity know no boundaries, not even those of religion, career, or popular culture.