Netflix is gearing up to premiere an upcoming original film headlined by some of the big names in American cinema. A gritty mystery thriller fronted by Jessica Chastain, "Heartland" streams worldwide on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Written and directed by Shana Feste, best known for "Country Strong", the film combines the world of country music with the suspense and dark atmosphere of classic film noir.
The story centres on Misty Jones (Jessica Chastain), a fierce, troubled former country music superstar who has lived away from the spotlight for 20 years. She reluctantly returns to Nashville when her 22-year-old niece, Charlie Heart (Carter Faith), a rising country music star, suddenly disappears. As Misty searches for Charlie, she uncovers secrets about the music industry and is forced to face the mistakes and difficult memories of her own past.
The film features a strong cast, including Garrett Hedlund as Roy Combs, Charlie’s manager; Ross Lynch as Jace, her boyfriend; Jennifer Nettles as Winnie Jo Lean; and John Hawkes as Clark. Rising country singer Carter Faith makes her film debut as Charlie.
In a Netflix statement, Feste said she wanted to create a story that was both entertaining and different from a traditional music drama. Explaining her approach, she says: “I wanted to create something truthful that's also incredibly fun to watch — something that has elements of suspense and country music and a really rootable character that doesn't feel familiar. I thought, ‘OK, what if I write this really complicated, messy, badass woman, Misty, and I set her in this world of country music? And instead of doing a drama like Country Strong, I lean into the film noir and create a mystery?’”
Music is central to the film, with Chastain performing her own songs. She has also teamed up with Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles for the title track. This is not, however, Chastain's first experience singing for a screen role. She previously played Tammy Faye Bakker in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" and as Tammy Wynette in the Emmy-nominated series "George & Tammy".
Chastain believes country music naturally fits stories about complicated relationships and emotions. “Country music is about telling a story,” Chastain shared with Netflix. “It's about someone leaving you, someone dying, they're drinking too much, wanting someone that you shouldn't want…. Apparently I just really like women with big hair and complicated lives.”
The soundtrack will feature original performances by the cast, along with songs from country artists Margo Price and Carly Pearce.
Rated R, "Heartland" has a runtime of one hour and 52 minutes.
