The Ballad of Wallis Island

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.

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.

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.

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 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.