The Ballad of Wallis Island is a new British comedy directed by James Griffiths, and co-written by Tom Basden & Tim Key. The film stars Basden, Key, and Carey Mulligan. Eccentric lottery winner Charles lives alone on a remote island but dreams of hiring his favorite musician, Herb McGwyer, to play an exclusive, private gig. Unbeknownst to Herb, Charlies has also hired Herb’s ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell, with her new husband in tow, to perform the old favorites. As tempers flare and old tensions resurface, the stormy weather trap them all on the island and Charles desperately looks for a way to salvage his dream gig.

While the film had its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the film is based on the 2007 short film, The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, also directed by Griffiths and written by and starring Basden & Key. That’s nearly a 20-year difference. That’s insane. That’s rarely heard of. I initially had a ticket to go see this last month before AMC cancelled all showings of the film for some unbeknownst reason. It is sort of beyond me why Focus Features would acquire the film and release it in a limited capacity, because this film is great! If you really want to support original films, this is one to support!

It’s actually quite remarkable how much I could relate to this. It brought me back to a different time in my life when music was a big factor in my life. The story, while familiar at times, goes in a lot of unique & original directions that makes it feel fresh. I haven’t seen the short that the film is based on, but I’d love to check it out, because you can see where everyone involved here took the time that was necessary to enhance what came before. At 100 minutes, the film is well-paced and offers a 3-act structure to justifies its existence.

If you aren’t familiar with Tim Key & Tom Basden already, you will be after watching this. Considering how long the two have worked together between the short and the full-length feature, it’s safe to assume that these two are good friends. The film does not make it look that way at all as the two have a clear understanding of who these characters are. Tim Key brings all the laughs & heart while Tom Basden brings the pain & emotion. Clashing the two together gives the film the opportunity to better explore its themes.

Tim Key as Charles is awkward, but so full of good heart. He cares so much about others, but he also doesn’t realize how much can be too much. Tom Basden as Herb is emotionally damaged and more self aware to help better protect himself. Viewers might see this as a common trope where they can see the third act resolution coming a mile away. What makes this more meaningful thematically is how the film throws a wrench into these guys’ stories by throwing Carey Mulligan into the mix as Herb’s ex-bandmate & ex-girlfriend, Nell.

When Mulligan shows up, sparks fly, until its unfortunate, and yet, realistic conclusion. Mulligan brings the light back to Herb. While I enjoyed this story as it did feel realistic, I was a bit frustrated with some of the story beats. Nell also brings along her husband who ends up leaving shortly afterwards to go bird watching. Why he would leave her alone with her ex-boyfriend and a stranger is beyond me, and for him to come back the way he does and speak to Herb in the manner that he does was uncalled for. Bro, you just left your wife behind. I don’t want to hear it. On top of that, Nell looks happier than ever with Herb. It’s fair for Herb to still have the feelings that he does.

On a technical level, the film is a marvel from its cinematography to its sound design. I am impressed that the filmmakers decided to make this into a feature-length film after so long, because you can see where they give the film their all. The cinematography captures the isolation of this remote island and just how small it is. The sound design captures the live music just right whole the editing is able to make it look and sound so smooth.

The film has an incredible score that has a way that makes it feel authentic. It’s no wonder Charles was such a fan. The love between these two bandmates helped grow the love he had with his wife. Folk music can only appeal to so many, but there is no denying how well it works for the film’s tone. Even when the story can get chaotic, the folk music can either fit the tone just right or speak what the characters are unable to speak.

Overall, I loved The Ballad of Wallis Island. It serves its themes perfectly through its interesting characters and realistic story. There’s a lot to love that I think viewers will appreciate. I just wish this had the capacity to have reached a broader audience in theaters.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)