The Ballad of Wallis Island

Play trailer

1:03

The Ballad of Wallis Island

PG-13

2025

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

144 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

Critics Consensus

The Ballad of Wallis Island hums along a sweet melody without lapsing into outright sentimentality, mining a great deal of warmth from its humble premise.

Read Critics Reviews

Francesca Steele

Sight & Sound

Nov 4

This is simple but not simplistic filmmaking; an exceedingly British comedy that steers just clear of mawkish.

Go to Full Review

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Oct 8

A bittersweet, cardigan-clad small treasure of a film and a balm for battered souls. If there’s any justice in the world it should be the breakout hit of the summer.

Go to Full Review

Stephen Romei

The Australian

Sep 2

4/5

This is a fish-out-of-water, odd couple, art and romance dramedy that reminds me of terrific television series such as Hamish Macbeth (1995-97) and Northern Exposure (1990-95). It is charming throughout, humorous and moving.

Go to Full Review

Belen Prieto

Espinof

3d

5/5

...the film finds humor in the smallest things. But Griffiths manages to imbue these same elements with an unexpected emotional weight as the story unfolds.[Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Mar 27

4/5

The offbeat premise sets up a wonderful series of humorous moments that hinge on endearingly awkward interaction between people who connect unexpectedly.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 8

3/4

A charming seriocomedy.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Olivia W

Aug 16

Charming, original, completely enchanting film. Great characters. Perfect casting. A true gem.

See more

nicole j

05/12/2025

Very well made movie and super funny too.

See more

Paul C

05/08/2025

Really cute show. A little slow at times but a really neat ending.

See more

Jeff

04/27/2025

Best movie of the year,incredible.

See more

Brandon

04/26/2025

Slow, boring, not enough music, no climax.

See more

JEH

04/26/2025

a thoughtful take on real life and relationships

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

James Griffiths

Director

Tom Basden

Herb McGwyer

Tim Key

Charles Heath

Carey Mulligan

Nell Mortimer

Akemnji Ndifernyan

Michael

Sian Clifford

Amanda

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Exclusive Movie Clip - Anecdotes

1:32

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Movie Clip - There Goes the Sun

0:37

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Movie Clip - Anecdotes

0:39

View more videos

Hearts Beat Loud

92%

74%

Hearts Beat Loud

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Hearts Beat Loud

Blinded by the Light

89%

91%

Blinded by the Light

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Blinded by the Light

The High Note

71%

74%

The High Note

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The High Note

Bob Trevino Likes It

95%

98%

Bob Trevino Likes It

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Bob Trevino Likes It

A Man Called Otto

70%

97%

A Man Called Otto

Watchlist

TRAILER

for A Man Called Otto

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Comedian and Author Tim Key Talks Carey Mulligan & ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island

9:47

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 2

1:03

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 1

2:30

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

Director: James Griffiths
Producer: Rupert Majendie
Screenwriter: Tom Basden, Tim Key
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Baby Cow Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Language and Smoking)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 6, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.6M
Runtime: 1h 40m