THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND

DATE: Friday, March 28, 2025

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Ballad of Wallis Island is an utterly endearing film about the healing power of music and human connection that is as beautiful as it is hilarious thanks to the incredible comedic genius and writing of Tom Basden and Tim Key, and the ever incredible Carey Mulligan.

Independent films are always a labour of love that often take years to make it to the big screen, but the amount of time it took for The Ballad of Wallis Island to become a feature film is staggering. Originally shot as a short film entitled The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island back in 2007 written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key and directed by James Griffiths, the trio have reunited and eighteen years later they have turned their short film into the feature length film that they had always talked about. And after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival back in January to a massive standing ovation, this incredibly moving story is finally set to reach audiences worldwide thanks to its intelligent writing that understands its characters on a deep level that ensures that the audience are going to be swept up in the emotions of each character arc. The results, not only a wonderful film that features great original music, powerful performances and lots of laughter, but a brilliant film that perfectly tugs on the heart strings that should ensure that The Ballad of Wallis Island is one of the year’s most beloved films.

If there was ever a John Carney movie that John Carney never wrote, and frankly does what he does better, it is The Ballad of Wallis Island. The film tells the story of Charles, an eccentric lottery winner, who invites his favourite musicians to his remote island to play a private concert for him, causing tensions to rise amongst the trio as Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer reunite years after breaking up. With old romantic flames being fanned and a storm approaching the island, both in terms of weather and metaphorically, the island getaway sends each character on a journey of self-discovery. While the script sets the cast up for some wonderful comedic moments, and the written moments are truly genius, there is also lots of improvisation that leads to some unforgettable laughter and incredibly quotable moments that captures the genius of Basden and Key in real time, more often than not catching lightning in a bottle that can’t be scripted (Dame Judi drenched anyone!) 

But beyond the wildly entertaining comedic aspect of the story, what unfolds over the course of the film is a deeply moving character piece. Each of our main characters finds themselves haunted by their past, and watching their journeys of self-healing and self-discovery over the course of their stay on Wallis Island as they are each forced to face their past and past relationships will certainly give your tear ducts a workout. Using the music as a release for the characters, and with Basden and Key’s writing playing the different personalities, flaws and hurt of each character against each other to build the dramatic tension over the course of the story, there is a depth to explore in each character as their arcs progress. It all results in one incredibly moving climax to the film that hits every emotional note, reminding audiences how easy it is to fall in love with a well crafted movie due to the sheer power of visual storytelling.

Given the small geographical size of Wallis Island and the reclusive nature of Charles, the film has a comparably small cast, but with the powerhouse leading performances from Basden, Key and Mulligan, the film is in more than capable hands. Basden and Key’s comedic chemistry is off the charts, ensuring that every joke lands perfectly and will have audiences erupting into laughter, while Mulligan gets right in there with them and matches their comedic talents at every turn. But it is the vulnerability that they each bring to the characters in their performances that makes them truly shine, ensuring that no character arc does not reach its full emotional potential. Basden achingly creates Herb’s journey of self-reflection, transforming Herb into a better man in a deeply moving arc; Key brings a heartbreak and catharsis to Charles as he grapples with his past, begins to let go and move forward; and Mulligan excels as always as she helps Nell find the closure she has been searching years for. Sian Clifford and Akemnji Ndifornyen are excellent in the main supporting roles of Amanda and Michael, both perfectly matching the energy and performances of Basden, Key and Mulligan, but this film is nothing without its incredible lead trio.

While it is the stories and performances of the film’s leading trio of Basden, Key and Mulligan that are going to stick with audiences long after the credits end, the location, set decoration and original songs of The Ballad of Wallis Island only enrich this wonderful film. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Welsh coastline and Ramsey Island, instilling every frame of the film with the natural wonder that made Charles and his late wife pick Wallis Island as their home. While subtle, the set decoration in Charles’ house only deepens the development of Charles’ past, with each knick-knack, photo and piece of furniture further informing Charles and his late wife’s relationship. Being a story about a former band reuniting to perform a private concert, the film features many original songs, all penned by Basden himself, all of which are winners. Each one is a great piece of folk rock, brilliantly performed by Basden and Mulligan, with the heartfelt lyrics and enchanting melodies instantly working its way into viewers’ ears, ensuring that you will need a copy of that soundtrack very quickly after leaving the theatre. It’s hard to pick a favourite as they are all outstanding, and I would not be surprised if one of them ends up in the awards race later this year for Best Original Song.

Every once and a while, there is a film that comes along that is so delightful and moving that it has the power to nurture the soul of all who watch it, and that is exactly what Tom Basden and Tim Key have achieved with The Ballad of Wallis Island. With an effortless charm and comedic energy that ensures that there is never a second where the film is shy of heart and entertainment, Tom Basden, Tim Key and Carey Mulligan shine throughout while bringing to life this beautifully moving story that is going to leave viewers hearts full and with tears of joy. Blending music, relationships, and self-healing all into one masterful story that equally tugs on viewers heart strings and has them laughing uncontrollably, Tom Basden and Tim Key have created something truly meaningful in The Ballad of Wallis Island that thanks to their excellent performances alongside the ever talented Carey Mulligan, ensures that The Ballad of Wallis Island will be remembered as one of the best films of the year!