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Cloaked in comedy, lies a perfect drama about forgetting and moving on without our past. This charming film is directed by James Griffiths, who writes a script written by its two protagonists, Tom Basden and Tim Key.

It's a truly charming diversion that covers the pain with a sincere touch of British comedy wrapped in charming characters with whom you can identify in certain aspects and be invited to this concert of feelings and emotions that the film promises. It steers clear of clichés in the name of honesty and seriousness. This charming British comedy shows the full range of human relationships, but takes special care to highlight the good in each one, even if they are shrouded in grief and sadness in the process of reunion.

It's a journey toward healing and the true soul hidden within friendship and admiration. Bathed in its wonderful melody, its impeccable soundtrack, and landscapes that fill the screen with its superb photography, it's a staging of great moments, a heartfelt comedy about loss, loneliness, and moving forward, captured in impeccable performances and truly satisfying characters who hide life's imperfection in an encounter that invites emotion and gratification at every moment.

A film worth every second, an independent pastime with all the British cinema style that fits so well in this type of genre.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make The Ballad of Wallis Island a stellar drama.

The Ballad of Wallis Island follows the famed singer and songwriter Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) as he travels to a secluded island for a gig. Hired to perform for two-time lottery winner Charles (Tim Key), Herb is forced not only to put on a good show, but to find himself emotionally, musically, and spiritually along the way.

The performances in The Ballad of Wallis Island are nothing short of spectacular. Although Tom Basden's Herb McGwyer leads the film, he shares the screen with Tim Key's Charles, and the two are incredible together. They have a sort of chemistry that feels natural, and watching their friendship blossom throughout the film is a joy. They are polar opposites that are bound together, forced to find common ground. It's no wonder the two work so well on screen together because they actually wrote the film together! To begin with, Tom Basden's acting excellently captures the kind of existential crisis of an artist past their prime. Although not uncommon, this theme is a central part of the film. Herb McGwyer has descended from his peak in popularity, and Basden depicts his entrapment in the past so well. Tim Key's portrayal of Charles is 100% the highlight of the film. He brings a kind and bright energy every time he is on screen, which works perfectly to counteract the gloomy Herb. All of Key's comedic lines are well-delivered, and his witty, but lighthearted demeanor uplifts the film. Both Basden and Key experience an emotional arc together that is beautiful to watch. Academy Award nominee Carrey Mulligan not only produces, but stars in this film as well. Mulligan plays Nell Mortimer, the other half of "McGwyer Mortimer," an incredibly popular music duo. Her portrayal as a former musician is outstanding and starkly contrasts with Herb's personality. Their onscreen dynamic is great, as is their chemistry. They are past lovers, and watching them reunite after years, and dissect the band's falling out is very interesting. The Ballad of Wallis Island is rather unusual in that it takes place in one location - an island in the middle of nowhere. Wallis Island is tucked away from the rest of society, and therefore cut off from wifi, technology, and civilization. It feels as though Wallis Island has its own personality in its transformative nature. It morphs the characters emotionally, and puts them to the test. Both Herb and Nell are trapped and pushed to figure out what they want. Are they truly just seeking payment for the gig, or are they looking for something deeper, like a connection?

The Ballad of Wallis Island juggles several mature themes, including societal isolation and the cost of fame, but the film's message is about the importance of human relationships. We find Herb kind of disappointed with himself, and discouraged, but only until he goes to Wallis Island does he begin to find meaning in his life. Through his friendship with Charles, a man with whom he is completely different, he finds what is missing in his life and art - human connection and companionship. Ironically, his adventure to a place secluded from all society is where he learns the power of the bonds and friendships he builds.

I give The Ballad of Wallis Island 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The Ballad of Wallis Island releases exclusively in theaters March 28, 2025. By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST!

The second I saw the location settings I knew that this film is going to be a great one. A simple story with some great performances especially by Charles and Amanda, they nailed their characters with their unique style of innocence as people cut off from the rest of the world. Adding to that, the soundtrack took it to another level.

If you love movies with minimal characters happening at a remote location and with great soundtrack then you'll definitely love this. You might even cry a little bit if you're an emotional person, I mean I did when Herb saw those paper clippings and found out why Charles was doing what he did. A really heartwarming film with a touch of light humour, I definitely recommend you guys to watch this.

This film manages to strike a balance of being both charming and heartwarming without going overboard on either romance or sentimentality.

The humor is absolutely spot on, the entire theater was laughing out loud for many of the jokes. And the plot felt grounded, like the path of the characters lives felt realistic, and the ending was satisfying. Satisfying in the kind of way that makes you realize that life is complicated, and making the most of the good times is really important.

I was really glad I chose to see this instead of a few more mainstream options. I think that this is a big departure from the usual trending topics in film which are somewhat downbeat and focus on human suffering. This is different and feels like a validation for indie cinema. Would absolutely recommend watching this.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a funny and uplifting look at the awkward space somewhere between love found and lost. This is for those who appreciate a cerebral drama: little happens but much is revealed.

The premise is a little outlandish but the film unfolds into a delightfully realistic take on utterly British sensibility. Much is left unseen and unsaid with the story simmering beneath the surface, relying on nuanced performances from the tiny cast.

If you're a fan of Tim Key already, you'll enjoy seeing his humour committed to film. There are segments where you may feel that you've stumbled into an intimate corner at the Edinburgh Fringe. If you're new here, relax and enjoy it like a comforting Chicken Xacuti on a chilly night.

The film is musically-driven with Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan working together harmoniously to balance the comic relief and poignant undertones. If you enjoyed Richard Ayoade's Submarine, you'll like this. If you loved this and haven't seen Submarine, you've got the next film on your watchlist.

Little moments of hilarious physical comedy run alongside the witty dialogue and undercurrents of melancholy, which all come together to leave you with a warm smile and lingering sense of quiet.

This is a gem.

It's not done good box office but may find its place on streaming channels. It won the audience award at Sundance and I can see why because it's the very essence of laugh out loud funny, coupled with truly British feel good.

Executive-produced by most of its cast including stars and writers Tim Key, and Tom Basden, who also wrote and performed the music - a critical role because its about an old Folk Rock duo - Carey Mulligan and director James Griffiths (Bad Sisters).

It's based on a 2007 short (by the same team) and tells the full story of how the aforementioned duo (Mulligan and Baden - called McGwyer and Mortimer) find themselves on a remote Welsh Island playing a gig for a reclusive Lottery winner - Tim Key as Charles.

Key has a ball as the slightly eccentric loner who simply worships McGwyer and Mortimer who had split up a decade earlier because the relationship stepped beyond the music itself.

He's got money to burn and nothing to do so he can fancily fund a one night only reunion. Needless to say not all goes to plan.

The chemistry between the three principal characters is superb: Kooky Charles, curmudgeonly McGwyer and wistful Morrison. Each riff off the other in unexpected ways and the whole is most certainly greater even than its excellent sum of parts.

In essence it's a movie about loneliness. Charles is single and lost in his life. McGwyer, too, is lost in his career and aggressively trying to feed his ego, having essentially 'sold-out'.

Only Morrison (Mulligan) has a sense of balance in her life and carries off her part beautifully and sympathetically.

It's genuinely uproariously funny in places and genuinely touching in others and adds up to a glorious 90 minutes in the cinema that we shared with 6 others. Shame.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a quiet gem that blends dry humor with deep emotion. At its heart, it's a romantic film - not just in the traditional sense, but in its celebration of love, loyalty, and human connection. The characters may start from very different places, but their arcs are believable and rewarding, unfolding with care and subtlety.

The film handles grief and pride with nuance, and never feels manipulative or forced. It's slow-paced in the best way: giving space to linger, to feel, and to reflect. Poignant, charming, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, this is one of those rare films that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate sincere, character-driven storytelling.

'The Ballad Of Wallis Island (2025)' may leave you feeling good, but it doesn't always take the most expected - or easy - route to do so. It's the kind of film that might actually be perfect for what it is, but it's also the kind of film you'll forget you've seen by the time you scroll past it on a streaming service. It's a really charming, delightful and deceptively simple affair, one with a small cast of well-rounded characters and a gentle sense of humour which compounds its emotional core, rather than undercut it (as is so often the case). It feels rather honest, and it's never content in being the most obvious version of itself. Ironically, this refusal to become totally saccharine makes it all the sweeter, as its gooiest moments all come from a place of recognisable truth. It isn't afraid to present its characters as being flawed, nor to revel in the downright cheesy humour of Tim Key. It's generic, but also quite specific. It isn't groundbreaking, and it isn't even all that deep, but it's a wholesome and often funny affair that will put a smile on your face and maybe even a tear in your eye. It's brisk, it's confident, it's lovely. You may not remember it after a while, but you'll still be glad you've seen it.

One of the best films I have seen in a long time. I could watch this again and again. Heartwarming, funny, great cinematography, great script, great acting. Pulls at your heart strings just the right amount and funny all the way through. Great character development without any lags. Pace is spot on you almost wish it was longer. So good. Storyline is captivating. Scenery is beautiful and so many moments where you wish you were there. I have zero negative feedback on this. I hope more people see this. Excellent film especially in a time where all the movies seem to be about war or violence. Do not pass this one up.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Cheesy romance storytelling isn't the biggest bite for me, yet, the strong performances and charming song-writing holds the movie up to create engagement and comfort vibe. Based on James Griffiths short, this movie explores the concepts of love, music, and friendship which are solemnly explored with a good direction and atmosphere throughout. Song-writing, many of the song lyrics, music score, and composition is pretty good and some of the best aspects of the movie.

Performance wise, all of the performances are good as Tim Key, Carey Mulligan, and Tom Basden have good chemistry and humor dynamics together. Story-wise, it's basic and because of the predictable nature and at times, where the narrative feels almost plotless, the characters aren't too investing regarding their dramatic backgrounds and it didn't really allow me to connect with them. Including some pacing issues during midway and some of the dialogue being a bit rough. And it feels as if James Griffith took too much influence of the works of John Carney which does feel distracting at times. Although the production designs and camerawork is solid.

As I said, cheesy movies don't always work for me but sometimes, a bit of cheesy and comfort is what we need. Overall, it's a decent.

Ballad of Wallis Island may be a little too cute or repetitive in its awkward/uncomfortable one-liners for its own good overall (Charles having a pun or joke at the end of 85% of the lines like a slightly less obnoxious Michael Scott), and the Michael character is a little too conveniently just there to ask for something in one scene and then much later (after he went off on a... Puffin sightseeing trail sure) berates our bearded flawed Male Lead.

But there is worthwhile pathos and reading just a bit in-between the lines makes it a deeper and richer experience - Basden and Key wrote the script by the way so that makes sense - about loss and finding some semblance of peace with the present and/or future, with Tim Key endearing himself I'm sure into a good several supporting roles in years to come. And the ending makes it all work (even though you kind of expect what he'll do with all the money). The location itself sells the idyllic isolation as well; tweak this script about 50 degrees and you'd have one heckuva horror movie.

I understand what the film was purporting to do. Whimsical, gentle, melancholic... however, the lead has to be bearable. I have to invest in his narrative and all I kept doing was waiting for the next tic or Tim ism. He certainly is a favourite with working title and they keep churning out the same witterings for this actor. It just was a bit empty if you took him out of the equation. There are good actors in the film but very little convincing words come out of their mouths. I realise I'm in a minority here. That's fine. I'm allowed to be disappointed that I spent £18 at the cinema. It has a cheesy ending and if you love the 'comedic' lead then you'll love the film. A plus for me was Carey Mulligan's dress.

(transcript of my youtube review)

The surprise screening at the Glasgow Film Festival movie called The Ballad of Wallace Island and this is the one that ended up being my absolute favourite of the festival.

It tells the story of Charles who lives alone on a remote island Wallace Island He is a huge fan of a folk musician duo Herb Maguire and Nell His ex-partner Nell played by Carey Mulligan Tom Basden plays Herb They were a folk duo they broke up Herb went on to do a solo career Charles the guy in the middle here he came into some money and basically is paying them to put on a private show on the beach of the island he lives in said island the titular titular island wallace island essentially that's the plot of the movie

Now you may not think that's anything to write home about but this movie is so so so good it's written by Tim Key who plays plays Charles the kind of the main character the guy who lives on the island directed by James Griffiths

It reminded me a lot of the Ricky Gervais Netflix show Afterlife with the kind of the style of comedy the blend of comedy and heartfelt drama the visuals are very crisp and very clean and that reminded me of like an Apple TV show like the way it's shot the way it looks it's very crisp it's very clean.

It's very kind of idyllic although it's a you know it doesn't say it's a Scottish island but you know it's an island in the UK so you know there's various weather and waves that you're dealing with script and the performances are not perfect especially Tim Key especially the character of Charles Well you know he wrote it so he's saying his own dialogue So it is going to be not perfect It's just it's got such heart and soul and pathos to it.

The dialogue back and forth the banter back and forth between the characters You know it's comedy comedy comedy comedy emotional you know dagger comedy comedy comedy comedy emotional bit you know I mean that as a compliment you know that's that's the kind of the formula throughout the movie the songs as well the kind of the songs that the fictional folk duo sing like I really hope they release that because I would absolutely buy that album the songs were great it legit had me in tears both from laughing and from crying

Also apologies to the festival volunteer who was unlucky enough to be sat next to me tuning the screening because she had to put up with said tears and snotters and me blowing my nose and laughing one minute and then crying the next minute and I could actually tell she was looking at me at times so apologies random festival volunteer but don't blame me blame this wee gem of a movie i think it's going to be getting a cinema release in the uk i'll link to details below in the description as and when i get any of that info um i wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being my favorite movie not just of the festival but my favorite movie of as I said it was the surprise screening at the festival the day that I went to see it it was a long day I'd already seen 3 or 4 movies that day I'd done a couple of interviews as well I was absolutely shattered and I was ready to call it quits and just go home and skip this screening because as I said I was shattered and it's a surprise screening so I had no idea what movie we were going to be getting shown I'm so so so glad that I stayed and stayed to watch this 9 out of ten for The Ballad of Wallace Island- absolutel yone hundred percent- go and see this when it comes out it is bloody bloody brilliant an absolute wee gem of a movie so yeah well and everyone involved and again apologies to the festival worker who put up with me crying.

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this recently at the Phoenix Film Festival. As a film enthusiast, I can confidently say that "The Ballad of Wallis Island" is an absolute gem that transcends the typical boundaries of romance and musical drama. Directed by the visionary filmmaker James Griffiths, this film invites us into a world where nostalgia meets whimsy, and love is as complex as the harmonies of the songs that resonate throughout the story.

The script is rich with witty banter and heartfelt moments that will have you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.

The supporting cast adds depth to the story as well. The eccentric millionaire, played brilliantly by a Tim Key, provides both comic relief and a touch of unpredictability, while the quirky island locals bring an authentic charm that enhances the film's atmosphere.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a secluded island owned by a delightfully eccentric millionaire, who brings two former bandmates and lovers to reunite for a one-off performance.

The script is rich with witty banter and heartfelt moments that will have you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.

In a world where most love stories feel cliched and predictable, "The Ballad of Wallis Island" stands out as a refreshing reminder of the beauty of second chances and the intricate dance of love and art. It's a movie that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, leaving you humming snippets of its enchanting soundtrack.

I enjoyed every moment of this movie. The music is lovely, the acting is great, the script has tender moments, funny moments, even a bit of suspense. I saw it opening night at the Phoenix film festival and the audience absolutely loved it as did I The characters are distinct and well developed and the actors fit the roles beautifully. The setting is gorgeous and the videography captures the isolation and beauty of the island.

As we were leaving the theater, both of us turn to each other instead that we'd like to see that movie again right now. I it's one of those movies that restores your faith in humanity and makes you feel good, and boy do we need that now.

You know Tim Key's style of speech? Broken rhythms, throwaway gags and half-uttered thoughts? It's that, for a couple of hours. This is a very 'gentle' movie whichever way you look at it. Gentle drama, gentle comedy, gentle characters. It's not a joke-a-thon, it's a little bit melancholy with lots of folk music to carry you through.

A reclusive lottery winner hires his favourite (defunct) folk band for an exclusive gig on Wallis Island. It's very predictable. The simple relationship between a fan and a former star contains no twists or turns, but this is really a movie about letting go of the past and how 'no man is an island'. Who'd have thought it?

It's a very understated, beautifully shot, sincere piece of work. The music is lyrically impressive too.

If you don't like the stumbling style of Key, you might find this frustrating. I really enjoy his wordplay and while this is a short movie stretched to feature length, it doesn't outstay its welcome and wraps up nicely.

This movie is set on the fictitious Wallis Island off the British coast but was actually filmed on the Wales shore, making it look like it could have been an island. Aerial shots of an island are actually Ramsey Island, a nature preserve off the coast of Wales.

Tim Key, a co-writer, is Charles Heath living on Wallis Island. He is a big, big fan of a music duo that were popular in the 1990s and early 2000s but broke up. He now has a solo career and she moved to the Portland area of the US, and is married. It is approaching five years since Charles' wife passed away, he wanted to do something special in her honor.

So he hired the male of the duo, Tom Basden (also co-writer) as Herb McGwyer, to travel to his small island for a one night "concert" of fewer than 100 fans. In truth, it was only him, 1 is fewer than 100!

However unbeknownst to Herb, Charles also hired the female member of the duo, Carey Mulligan as Nell Mortimer. She also shows up, via small boat, with her husband.

It is a quirky, often funny story and the actors are all great in their roles. It seems that nothing goes as planned and this creates opportunities for an entertaining storyline.

My wife and I were entertained, we watched it streaming on Prime.

Rating - 7.9: Overall, a well-made feel-good movie that infuses silly comedy and folk musical moments to keep the tone lighthearted yet profound; The film is carried by the performances of Tom Basden, Tim Key, and Carey Mulligan, as their chemistry really makes you want to see how these characters grow in the movie.

Direction - Pretty Good: The direction on a macroscale is pretty good, as it creates this feel-good tone filled with many musical moments; the direction on a microscale is good, as it creates scenes that are both silly and profound, and in the microscale moments you can really tell the director just lets the actors act; the storytelling is pretty good; they build tension pretty well

Story - Pretty Good to Good: The concept is good, as it really is about the friendship building between the two leads, and Basden's character reliving his past partnership with Mulligan's character; the plot structure is simple; character writing is very good, as you really understand what these characters are searching for in this movie

Screenplay - Good: The dialogue is pretty silly and goofy, yet it has its profound moments; the humor is very silly and goofy; the symbolism is pretty good; the foreshadowing is good, as the movie has a full-circle ending

Acting - Good: Tom Basden - Good (Plays the straight man well; does a good job in the musical moments; has good chemistry with Mulligan and very good chemistry with Key), Tim Key - Good (Plays the silly comic relief character well; has very good chemistry with Basden), Carey Mulligan - Good (She uses her experience to carry the role and shows why she is one of the best in the business), Rest of the cast - Good (There isn't that much of a supporting cast, but the three leads have good chemistry with one another)

Score - Good: It infuses folk music into the score to set the tone

Soundtrack - Good: Folk songs that help create the character's musical background

Cinematography - Decent: Feels a little low-budget, but fine

Editing - Decent: Nothing really special

Sound - Decent: Nothing really special

Production Design - Pretty Good: It feels like they shot on location to show the seclusion of the island

Pacing - Pacing is a bit on the slower side, but this lets the movie develop and the characters grow; 10-15 minutes could have been cut

Climax - Climax is pretty profound as it builds to a feel-good moment you want to see as the movie develops; the movie ended how I would have wanted it to end

Tone - The tone is mostly silly comedy, but infused with folk musical and dramatic moments

Final Notes - Saw the Texas premiere at SXSW.

The Ballad of Wallis Island doesn't announce itself with big moments or bold storytelling. It's quiet, patient, and deeply observant - a film more interested in the spaces between people than in anything they actually say.

There's a kind of magic here, but not the wand-waving kind. It's in the setting - a bleak and beautiful island where the skies rarely clear and everything seems to echo with a quiet ache. The pacing is unhurried, reflective. Whether that's a nod to the rhythms of island life or just the film's own confidence, it works.

At its center are four characters, each living out a different kind of isolation. Some are painfully aware of their loneliness, others seem almost comfortable in it. A few are fooling themselves. The film never spells any of this out - it just lets you watch as these people shift slightly in each other's orbit. Not everyone connects. But the fact that some try is enough to carry the film's emotional weight.

Carrie Mulligan's performance anchors the tone beautifully. Her presence softens the tension, adds a sense of stillness that feels earned. When she's offscreen, the unease creeps back in.

The visuals are restrained but rich - mostly grey tones, soft light, and subdued color. There's one stained glass window that quietly stands out, like a whisper of potential or beauty that still exists in spite of everything. That kind of detail - quiet but pointed - is everywhere if you're paying attention.

Sound design is minimal, and the music is woven in like a supporting texture rather than a highlight. It never intrudes. Instead, it shades scenes gently, reminiscent of the mood you'd find in an Alexi Murdoch track - soulful and subtle, but never sentimental.

The film doesn't chase resolution. It builds pressure and lets it release in small, human ways. There's no grand catharsis, just a few gestures that suggest healing is possible - even if it's slow, partial, and silent.

Was really looking forward to this - Tim Key writing and starring unfortunately this was an embarrassment from start to finish - Key is irritating beyond belief and the most unfunny I have seen and heard him.

I am not surprised that Richard Curtis apparently rates this - that should have been a warning sign I could barely get through to the end - wanted to stop watching after 15 minutes.

The last time I felt like this about a film was Hundreds of Beavers - another excruciating watch.

I wish I could call this predictable but it isnt good enough to call it that I would like to say the humour is forced but again its not good enough to reach that.

This was on my radar, as the leads have been on various podcasts that I listen to promoting it. I had to travel to Sheffield though, as it's still a bit too "independent", despite Universal distributing it, for my local Cineworld. It was worth the extra travel money.

Lottery winner Charles Heath (Tim Key) uses some of his money to pay for his favourite folk duo McGwyer Mortimer to reform for a small gig on the island he lives on. When he arrives, Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) is unaware just how small the gig's audience will be, or that Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) will also be coming. The pair were a romantic couple, as well as bandmates, but haven't seen in each other in a decade since McGwyer's decision to record a solo album.

"The Ballad of Wallis Island" is absolutely one of my favourite films of the year so far. It's genuinely funny, touching and warm. Much of the humour comes from Key who, in all fairness, is playing the sort of character that Key usually plays. Bumbling is too strong a term, but certainly a man who never knows when to let a moment sit. You do really have to like that character for the film to work, but I do. Whilst Key is probably the reason you'll enjoy the film, it doesn't work without the Basden's performance as McGwyer. He has to keep him likeable enough, whilst he makes mistakes and meets frustrations but he threads the needle well. Mulligan isn't in the film for as long as the other two, but she, of course, nails it when she arrives also.

The film becomes increasingly touching as it reaches the end, and I did wipe away a tear in the concert scene.

Excellent stuff.