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The Ballad of Wallis Island

  • 2025
  • PG-13
  • 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
1.9K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
76
584
Carey Mulligan, Tom Basden, and Tim Key in The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)
Charles, a strange lottery winner who lives alone on a secluded island, tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite singer, Herb McGwyer, to perform at a special, private event.
Play trailer1:04
11 Videos
21 Photos
Quirky ComedyComedyDramaMusicRomance

An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.

  • Director
    • James Griffiths
  • Writers
    • Tom Basden
    • Tim Key
  • Stars
    • Tom Basden
    • Tim Key
    • Sian Clifford
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    1.9K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    76
    584
    • Director
      • James Griffiths
    • Writers
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
    • Stars
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
      • Sian Clifford
    • 23User reviews
    • 47Critic reviews
    • 78Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos11

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:04
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:28
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:28
    Official Trailer
    The Ballad of Wallis Island
    Trailer 2:31
    The Ballad of Wallis Island
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Anecdotes (Alt)
    Clip 1:33
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Anecdotes (Alt)
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: The Shop
    Clip 0:32
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: The Shop
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Our Love
    Clip 1:34
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Our Love

    Photos21

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    Top cast9

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    Tom Basden
    Tom Basden
    • Herb McGwyer
    Tim Key
    Tim Key
    • Charles Heath
    Sian Clifford
    Sian Clifford
    • Amanda
    Akemnji Ndifornyen
    Akemnji Ndifornyen
    • Michael
    Steve Marsh
    • Peter
    Carey Mulligan
    Carey Mulligan
    • Nell Mortimer
    Luka Downie
    • Marcus
    Kerrie Thomason
    • Marie
    Arron Long
    Arron Long
    • Tour guide
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • James Griffiths
    • Writers
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews23

    7.41.9K
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    Featured reviews

    9alext-35045

    A pure delight! A Must SEE!

    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.
    8rannynm

    A Unique Film With Wonderful Acting, An Unconventional Story, And Heartfelt Themes

    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!
    10linzall

    Wonderful!

    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.
    8UniqueParticle

    Excellent

    Such a lovely, cute, comedic and beautiful piece of great cinema! A nice independent vibe if more Charlotte theaters that had less common titles this would be there I miss those. A bit of sad vibe yet full of goofiness it reminds me of Banshees of Inisheerin that came out a few years ago.

    I don't know why my iPad was lagging I usually review on it but my phone is good enough, lag shouldn't exist. Anyway I love the guy that played Charlie he seemed lovely and a great buddy. I didn't realize this has been out a bit I would've seen sooner but glad I did regardless it's magnificent and well crafted.
    8brentsbulletinboard

    Charming, Quirky and Fun

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      This film is based on the BAFTA-nominated short film "The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island" (2007). Both films are written by stars Tom Basden and Tim Key, and directed by James Griffiths.
    • Connections
      Remake of The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island (2007)

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    FAQ17

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 18, 2025 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • La Balada De La Isla
    • Production companies
      • Focus Features
      • Baby Cow Productions
      • Moxie Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,607,835
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $94,233
      • Mar 30, 2025
    • Gross worldwide
      • $1,607,835
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 39 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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