The Ballad of Wallis Island

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.

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.

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 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!

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.