Finding a movie that doesn't feel like it was assembled by a committee in a boardroom is getting harder these days. Honestly, most streaming platforms are cluttered with high-budget noise that lacks any real soul. If you’re looking for something that feels grounded, musical, and genuinely heartfelt, you really need to watch A Cowgirl's Song. It isn't just another country music flick; it’s a story about family resilience that hits home in a way most big-budget dramas miss.
Directed by Timothy Armstrong, this 2022 film is actually part of the Cowgirl's Story franchise, but it stands on its own legs perfectly well. You’ve got Cheryl Ladd—yes, the Charlie’s Angels legend—playing a grandmother who used to be a country star. She's joined by Savannah Lee May and Darci Lynne Farmer. If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Darci Lynne basically took the world by storm on America’s Got Talent. Seeing her transition into a narrative acting role while keeping those vocal pipes front and center is one of the best reasons to sit down and hit play.
The plot kicks off when two sisters, Hailey and Brooke, have to move in with their estranged grandmother because their father is dealing with some pretty heavy legal trouble. It’s a classic "fish out of water" setup, but with a dusty, melodic, Oklahoma-style twist.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Movie
A lot of folks see the title and assume it’s just a "teeny-bopper" country musical. It's really not. While it definitely appeals to a younger audience because of the leads, the themes of incarceration, debt, and the burden of legacy give it some grit. It deals with the reality of what happens when a parent goes to prison and the kids are left to pick up the pieces.
Hailey, played by Savannah Lee May, is the one trying to hold it all together. She’s an aspiring singer, but she’s crushed by the pressure of her father’s situation. She wants to raise money for his legal fees. How? By doing what her grandmother, Erin (Ladd), used to do: singing. But Erin has her own ghosts. She’s walked away from the stage for reasons that slowly come to light as the movie progresses. It's about the friction between generations. It’s about how music can either be a bridge or a wall.
The Music Is Actually Legit
Let’s talk about the soundtrack because if you’re going to watch A Cowgirl's Song, you’re doing it for the ears as much as the eyes.
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The songs were written and produced by The Millyard, and they don't feel like "movie songs." They feel like actual tracks you’d hear on a Nashville breakout album. Savannah Lee May has this crisp, modern country vocal that contrasts beautifully with the more soulful, ventriloquist-honed power of Darci Lynne.
- "Party on the Coast" is a bop.
- "Keep Trying" is the emotional anchor.
- The title track "A Cowgirl's Song" ties the generational themes together.
Most movies about musicians use pre-recorded tracks that feel disconnected from the actors' mouth movements. Here, it feels integrated. You can tell these performers actually care about the craft of singing. It’s not just lip-syncing for a paycheck.
Where to Stream It in 2026
Availability changes faster than the weather in Oklahoma, but as of right now, you have a few solid options.
Currently, Netflix has been the primary home for the film in several regions, including the US. However, licensing deals are fickle things. If it’s cycled off your main streaming service, it’s usually available for a cheap digital rental on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, or Apple TV.
If you’re a fan of physical media—kinda rare these days, I know—there are DVD releases that often include some behind-the-scenes footage of Darci Lynne and Savannah Lee May in the recording studio. Honestly, seeing how they built the songs from scratch adds a lot of value if you’re a music nerd.
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Is It Worth the Time?
Look, this isn't The Godfather. It’s not trying to be. It’s a "comfort movie." It’s the kind of thing you watch on a Sunday afternoon when you want to feel something good without being emotionally destroyed. It’s rated PG, which means it’s safe for the kids, but it doesn't talk down to the adults. The stakes feel real because the struggle for money and family unity is something almost everyone understands.
Cheryl Ladd is the secret weapon here. She brings a level of gravitas that grounds the younger actors. When she talks about her past in the music industry, you believe her. She has that "it" factor that only comes from decades in the business. Her performance makes the movie feel like a legitimate drama rather than a direct-to-video afterthought.
The Realistic Side of Country Stardom
The film does a decent job of showing that music isn't just about fame. It’s a job. It’s a hustle. Hailey and Brooke aren't just singing for fun; they are singing to save their family. That desperation is what makes the performances feel earned.
We see the sisters navigating small-town venues and dealing with the skepticism of people who knew their father. It touches on the stigma of having a parent in jail—how the community looks at you differently. It’s a subtle touch, but it adds a layer of social commentary that makes the story more than just a musical montage.
Why the Critics and Fans Disagree
If you look at Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb, you’ll see a bit of a divide. Critics sometimes find it too "sweet" or predictable. But the audience scores? Usually much higher. Why? Because sometimes we just want a story where people try their best and music saves the day. We don't always need a dark, gritty reboot of reality. Sometimes we just need a cowgirl and a guitar.
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Darci Lynne’s fanbase alone has kept this movie relevant long after its release. Her transition from "the girl with the puppets" to a legitimate screen actress is a huge draw. She plays Brooke with a mix of innocence and sharp wit that provides the much-needed comic relief when the drama with their dad gets a bit heavy.
How to Get the Most Out of the Viewing Experience
If you’re planning to watch A Cowgirl's Song, don’t just have it on in the background while you’re scrolling through your phone.
- Check your sound setup. Since the movie is so music-heavy, watching it through tinny phone speakers is a crime. Use some decent headphones or a soundbar.
- Watch the prequels? You don't have to watch A Cowgirl's Story (2017) first. This movie functions as a standalone piece. But if you like the vibe, definitely go back and check out the earlier film starring Bailee Madison.
- Listen to the lyrics. The songs actually move the plot forward. They aren't just breaks in the dialogue; they are the dialogue.
The cinematography is surprisingly lush for an indie production. They capture the Oklahoma landscape with a golden-hour warmth that makes the setting feel like a character in itself. The wide-open spaces reflect the freedom the characters are searching for, while the cramped interiors of their grandmother's house show the tension they're trying to escape.
Final Verdict on A Cowgirl's Song
It’s a rare bird. A clean, family-oriented movie that actually has some teeth. It doesn't shy away from the pain of family separation, but it doesn't wallow in it either. It chooses hope, and in 2026, hope is a pretty valuable commodity.
Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just someone who appreciates a well-acted indie drama, this film delivers. It’s about the grit required to keep a family together when everything is pulling it apart. It’s about finding your voice when you feel like nobody is listening.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Netflix first: It’s the most likely place to find it for free with a subscription.
- Download the soundtrack: Seriously, the songs "Keep Trying" and "A Cowgirl's Song" will be stuck in your head for a week.
- Follow the cast: Savannah Lee May and Darci Lynne Farmer are both active on social media and often share "making of" clips from the film that give you a better appreciation for the technical side of the production.
- Look for Timothy Armstrong’s other work: If you enjoy this style of filmmaking, he has a niche for these heart-centered, music-driven stories that are worth exploring.
Don't go into this expecting a high-octane thriller. Go into it expecting a warm cup of coffee and a heartfelt conversation. You’ll come away feeling a lot better than you did when you started.