The Ballad of Wallis Island Review: A Humorous Take on a Delightful Tale of Progressing Forward

      You know that feeling when a song takes you back to a specific time, memory, or moment? It’s an involuntary mental reaction that can be wonderful, painful, or a mix of both, all heightened by the emotions stirred by the music. This relatable experience serves as the rhythm for The Ballad of Wallis Island, a charming comedy that tugs at your heartstrings. The film evokes memories for its creators—writers/stars Tim Key and Tom Basden, along with director James Griffiths—as it is a feature shot in just eighteen days, inspired by a short film they created eighteen years prior.

      Basden portrays Herb McGwyer, a weary musician who arrives at a private gig via dinghy on the beautifully modest Welsh coast. On the shore, he is met by Charles, a quirky and lonely character (brilliantly played by Key) who hired him to perform on the isolated Wallis Island. Herb is unaware of several crucial details: the show is an acoustic performance; the island lacks hotels, and Charles will be hosting it at his home; the audience consists of just one person—Charles; and Charles has also invited Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), Herb’s former romantic partner and half of their old folk duo, from whom he has been disconnected for nearly ten years.

      Key, with a face suitable for silent film comedy, serves as the comedic engine of the film. Charles is an overly talkative super-fan whose long-winded, unoriginal thoughts flow into lengthy monologues, much to Herb's annoyance. When Herb falls into the water upon arrival, Charles quips, “Dame Judi Drenched.” He later observes a sunset, saying, “to paraphrase The Beatles, there goes the sun.” In another scene, after receiving a small jar from Nell, Charles humorously exclaims, “Houston, we have chutney, and it’s not a problem,” a moment so surprising it left me breathless. These aren’t quite dad jokes but rather spontaneous half-jokes that aim to fill awkward silences, reminiscent of a dinner party where conversation has stalled. This performance is an expertly refined version of Key’s character Sidekick Simon, a longtime companion of British comedic icon Alan Partridge.

      The humor in Wallis Island stems from well-crafted characters, engaging situations, and stellar performances. The secluded island setting offers numerous comedic opportunities, such as the challenges of obtaining supplies and the eccentricity of its residents. Charles finances the gig for both Herb and Nell with several hundred thousand dollars he won from the lottery…twice. It’s charming that the comedy on Wallis Island arises from sincere and thoughtful creativity, which is a refreshing rarity today.

      The film also skillfully avoids the pitfall of bland or unremarkable locations. Griffiths leverages the island’s natural beauty, with its lush hills and pristine beaches, which elevate every scene, enhancing everything from casual dialogues to moments of emotional weight.

      The unexpected reunion compels Herb to confront his unresolved breakup with Nell and the compromises he’s made in his artistic journey. Nell has built a new life for herself, showcasing Mulligan’s warm presence and world-weary elegance as she convincingly embodies a farmer’s market vendor in Portland who once was part of a beloved folk duo.

      Throughout our time on Wallis Island, the soft melodies from the McGwyer Mortimer catalogue play softly. These songs, all penned by Basden, align with the folk-rock trend of around 2010, perhaps best captured by Mumford & Sons, fronted by Mulligan’s real-life husband Marcus Mumford. The melodies evoke a joyous yet bittersweet past for both Herb and Charles, who rely on each other for closure.

      The Ballad of Wallis Island does not aim to provide groundbreaking insight into moving on, nor is that its goal. It’s an enjoyable comedy for adults that successfully balances sentimentality without being overly sweet or cloying. More productions like this would be welcome.

      The Ballad of Wallis Island premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is set to open on March 28.