Oscar Wilde About America (2025) is a novel and imaginative retelling of the renowned author Oscar Wilde’s historic tour of the United States in 1882. The film, which was directed by James Andrew Walsh and written by Chesser, Oscar Conlon-Morrey, and James Andrew Walsh, gives a contemporary twist by reimagining Wilde’s trip as a cross-country road trip. With this novel approach, the film manages to connect the past with the present while illuminating Wilde’s legacy as a pioneer of wit, social critique, and queer expression.
Oscar Wilde’s About America is fundamentally a narrative of emancipation and rediscovery. Oscar Conlon-Morrey’s character, Wilde, travels from New York City to Hollywood in the movie. This version of the tour is about Wilde’s own journey of self-acceptance, love, and freedom—something that eluded him more than a century ago—instead of the original 1882 tour, which was about him lecturing Americans on art and aesthetics. The filmmakers tackle themes of diversity, inclusion, identity, and the pursuit of happiness by reimagining Wilde’s tour as a contemporary road trip. These themes are relevant and appealing to audiences today.
A Journey of Queer Joy and Liberation
Oscar Wilde About America’s emphasis on queer joy and liberation is among its most potent features. Throughout his life, Wilde was both brilliant and tragic; while he was praised for his literary prowess, his homosexuality ultimately led to his demonization and imprisonment. In this reimagining of his journey through America, Wilde is not only a social critic and lecturer, but also a fully engaged member of the LGBTQ+ community today.
A version of Wilde who experiences the love and acceptance he was denied during his lifetime is shown in the film as he journeys across America, from the busy streets of New York to the glitzy lights of Hollywood. In addition to capturing Wilde’s wit and charm, the film embraces his spirit of defiance and self-expression and paints a picture of a man who, unlike anyone else in the 19th century, is able to love freely.
Themes of Diversity, Identity, and Inclusion
Diversity, identity, and inclusion are the central themes of Oscar Wilde About America. Through his travels through contemporary America, Wilde explores the diverse range of identities and experiences that comprise the nation today. Wilde interacts with people from a variety of backgrounds who are all on their own journeys towards self-acceptance and liberation as he meets them along the way. The film’s exploration of modern social issues like gender identity, race, and sexual orientation is made possible by these interactions.
Inspired by one of Wilde’s most well-known quotes, the original song “Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken” brilliantly captures the spirit of the movie. The film’s overarching theme—that everyone, like Wilde, deserves the freedom to be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution—is reflected in this anthem of individuality and self-acceptance. Since Wilde’s life and work—especially his astute social commentary—have always been avant-garde, this movie imagines what his legacy might be in the modern era.
The Cast and Production
The film features a stellar ensemble of both established actors and up-and-comers. The West End actor Oscar Conlon-Morrey plays Oscar Wilde, endowing the character with warmth and nuance. Renowned stage and film actress Rosemary Harris plays Lady Bracknell, and Kate Burton plays Sara Bernhardt. Each member of the gifted ensemble cast meaningfully contributes to Wilde’s journey, giving the movie layers of nuance.
Oscar Wilde About America, which was filmed on location in London and several other US cities, effectively conveys the contrast between Wilde’s Victorian upbringing and the dynamic, multicultural modern world he encounters. The wide-ranging American landscapes, from urban areas to rural backroads, are emphasized in the film’s cinematography, signifying the possibilities and openness of Wilde’s upcoming voyage.
Oscar Wilde About America is a contemporary adventure that, rather than being a mere historical retelling, reimagines Wilde’s well-known 1882 American tour. The film explores themes of queer joy, love, and liberation that were absent from Wilde’s own life by turning his journey into a cross-country road trip. It also delves into important contemporary issues such as diversity, inclusion, and the freedom to express one’s identity.
Oscar Wilde About America presents an insightful examination of what it means to be authentically oneself in a society that is becoming more accepting of diversity, with a strong ensemble cast, a story that embraces individuality, and a thoughtful direction. It pays appropriate homage to Wilde’s legacy and celebrates the strides made in enabling everyone to live authentically, as well as the work still left to be done.