The Ballad of Wallis Island, directed by James Griffiths, is a charming gem that weaves together humor, heartache, and soulful folk music into a tender cinematic experience. Set on a fictional Welsh island, this comedy-drama follows the quirky journey of a washed-up folk musician, a grieving superfan, and a past love reunited under unexpected circumstances. With a script penned by stars Tom Basden and Tim Key, the film expands on their 2007 short film with warmth and wit.
The film centers on Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden), a folk singer whose career has faded since the dissolution of his duo, McGwyer & Mortimer. Lured to Wallis Island by a lucrative gig offer, Herb arrives expecting a small festival, only to find himself stranded with Charles (Tim Key), a two-time lottery winner and obsessive fan who lives alone in a rambling, rustic mansion. The catch? The “gig” is a private performance for Charles, who has also invited Herb’s former bandmate and ex-lover, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), without warning either.
Basden’s Herb is a study in jaded vulnerability, a musician clinging to relevance while grappling with past regrets. His prickly demeanor clashes delightfully with Key’s Charles, whose relentless enthusiasm and groan-worthy puns mask a profound loneliness tied to the loss of his wife. Key, a comedian and poet, imbues Charles with a mix of social clumsiness and genuine warmth, making him both infuriating and endearing. Their dynamic—Herb’s sarcasm bouncing off Charles’s unyielding cheer—drives much of the film’s humor.
Carey Mulligan’s Nell brings a luminous depth to the trio, her performance radiating a quiet strength that contrasts Herb’s fragility. Now living a seemingly content life making chutney in Portland with her new husband, Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen), Nell is drawn back into Herb’s orbit. The chemistry between Mulligan and Basden is palpable, especially when they sing together, their harmonies stirring memories of a shared past. The original songs, written by Basden, are a highlight, capturing the spirit of 2010s indie-folk music.
The screenplay, co-written by Basden and Key, deftly avoids the pitfalls of sentimentality, steering clear of predictable romantic tropes. While Herb and Nell’s reunion sparks tension, the film isn’t about rekindling old flames but about confronting the pain of moving on.
What makes The Ballad of Wallis Island so charming is its refusal to overplay its hand. The balance of comedy and melancholy feels effortless, earning its emotional beats. Critics have praised this delicate touch, with one calling it “a big hug of a movie” that leaves you uplifted yet reflective.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a rare delight—a film that celebrates the messiness of human connection through music, humor, and heart. It’s not a loud awards contender, but it doesn’t need to be. Its charm lies in its simplicity, its ability to make you laugh, cry, and hum along to its soulful tunes.
The Ballad Of Wallis Island arrives at Luna Palace Cinemas, Thursday, Aug 28, 2025.
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