The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)
Directed by: James Griffiths
Premise: A washed-up musician (Tom Basden) is hired to play a private gig on an isolated island. He arrives to discover that he’ll be playing for an audience of one wealthy superfan (Tim Key) who has also invited the singer’s former collaborator and ex-girlfriend (Carey Mulligan).
What Works: There is a genre of stories about city people who find themselves stuck in a rural location and the charm and simplicity of country life wears down their metropolitan cynicism. A lot of these stories are annoying and condescending but The Ballad of Wallis Island is very charming. This film succeeds where so many others fail in part because of its conceit. Herb is a once-renowned musician whose career is floundering and he agrees to play for Charles, a wealthy superfan who lives alone on an island. The intimacy of the setting works in the movie’s favor as do the performances by the core cast. Actors Tom Basden and Tim Key play off each other remarkably well. Key in particular is very funny but the character also has depth. Charles is so invested in the music because the band was a favorite of his late wife and Charles’ love and grief are tied up in the music. Although Key is frequently buffoonish, that pain is evident in the quiet moments. Herb’s ex-girlfriend and former music partner Nell is also invited to the island. Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan are convincing as a former couple who share a history and have unresolved feelings. The parts of the story are nicely unified with the music pulling everything together. Herb left Nell for dreams of stardom that haven’t panned out and this island gig forces Herb to face his past decisions but also his relationship to his art. Meanwhile, Charles endeavors to make meaningful human connections rather than the one-sided relationship inherent to fandom.
What Doesn’t: Despite its intimate setting and small cast, the filmmakers seem a little unsure of how to juggle all the characters. In particular, the moviemakers struggle to do something meaningful with Nell and her husband Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen). The scenes of Herb and Nell reunited and rehearsing have an earnest awkwardness but their story doesn’t ultimately lead anywhere. Nell prematurely exits the story. Meanwhile, Michael goes birdwatching and then randomly reappears in the end. A local shop owner (Sian Clifford) begins a relationship with Charles and while this is sweet she’s not much of a character.
Bottom Line: The Ballad of Wallis Island is a sweet film. It’s mostly light but there are some great performances and some weighty subtext about relationships and music that give the movie substance.
Episode: #1045 (April 27, 2025)