The Ballad of Wallis Island

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.

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.

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.