The Ballad of Wallis Island main backdrop
The Ballad of Wallis Island main poster

The Ballad of Wallis Island

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7.1/10 • 32

2025-03-281h 40m

ComedyDramaMusic

He's getting the band back together.

Eccentric lottery winner Charles lives alone on a remote island but dreams of hiring his favourite musician, Herb McGwyer, to play an exclusive, private gig. Unbeknownst to Herb, Charles has also hired Herb’s ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell, with her new husband in town, to perform the old favourites. As tempers flare and old tensions resurface, the stormy weather traps them all on the island and Charles desperately looks for a way to salvage his dream gig.

Directors
James Griffiths
Editors
Quin Williams

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Tom Basden

    Tom Basden

    Herb McGwyer

  2. Tim Key

    Tim Key

    Charles Heath

  3. Carey Mulligan

    Carey Mulligan

    Nell Mortimer

  4. Sian Clifford

    Sian Clifford

    Amanda

  5. Akemnji Ndifornyen

    Akemnji Ndifornyen

    Michael

  6. Steve Marsh

    Steve Marsh

    Peter

  7. Luka Downie

    Luka Downie

    Marcus

  8. Kerrie Thomason

    Kerrie Thomason

    Marie

  9. Arron Long

    Arron Long

    Tour guide (uncredited)

Reviews2

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Brent Marchant Avatar

Brent Marchant

Apr 10, 2025

8/10

Recapturing the past may be an enticing, seductive prospect, especially when it involves revisiting pleasant memories of days gone by. But is it realistically achievable or just wishful thinking? That’s a question posed on multiple levels in the second theatrical feature from director James Griffiths. When Charles Heath (Tim Key), a wealthy, eccentric but lonely lottery winner living by himself on a remote North Atlantic island, furtively finances a command performance of his favorite now-disbanded folk rock duo – artistic and onetime-romantic partners Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) – he hopes to relive fond memories of their once-popular musical style and recollections of the days he shared them with the love of his life. There’s just one hitch – Charles conceals more than a few important details about the true nature of his plan, revelations that take the long-estranged musical duo somewhat by surprise. But, as their stay on the island unfolds, old memories are rekindled, prompting Herb and Nell to question the choices they’ve made and whether they want to take another shot at what they once had. As a result, Charles becomes something of an impromptu, unwitting matchmaker living vicariously through his guests’ experience, enveloped in a cloak of his own bittersweet nostalgia. But, considering how the lives of all three characters have changed, can the past be brought back to life, especially now that Nell is married to an adoring husband (Akemnji Ndifornyen), Herb has moved on to new types of questionable musical projects and Charles swoons (albeit bashfully) for the owner of the island’s general store (Sian Clifford)? Indeed, memories may prove to be heartwarming to relive, but can they be effectively and authentically re-created? Those are the scenarios that play out in this warm, touching alternative romcom, one that sports a quirky vibe not unlike that found in the charming comedy classic “Local Hero” (1983) mixed with the romantic reunion storyline of “A Mighty Wind” (2003). These elements are effectively enhanced by the natural, unassuming performances of the three principals, the fine original songs composed for the film and gorgeous cinematography of the craggy, windswept Welsh island location. It’s rare these days that a romantic comedy provides viewers with anything more than prototypical heartstring-tugging emotions a la Hallmark Channel productions, but “The Ballad of Wallis Island” serves up more, giving audiences a lot to ponder beyond whether the often-predictable outcomes often associated with releases in this genre will ultimately materialize. This is a great, if not entirely standard, date movie, one that’s sure to leave viewers with their own share of fond memories, even if they aren’t necessarily the kind one might expect.

Media

  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster
  • The Ballad of Wallis Island poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
$736,965.00
Keywords
musicianreunion