The Ballad of Wallis Island

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The Ballad of Wallis Island

PG-13

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1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

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96%

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48 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 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.

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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.

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Glenn Kenny

AARP Movies for Grownups

Writer/performers Tim Key and Tom Basden are highly regarded comedic stars in England, and this bouncy, engaging picture -- which has hints of the 1983 classic Local Hero -- shows why.

Rated: 5/5

Mar 28, 2025

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Oliver Jones

Observer

The comic rhythm [Tim Key] shares with [Tom] Basden—a very precise iteration of entitled yet aggrieved—is wondrous, like a lo-fi Abbott and Costello.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 28, 2025

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Amy Nicholson

Los Angeles Times

It’s something almost as rare as a revelation: a crowdpleaser I’d recommend to everyone. And I have, from the grocery store clerks in Park City to my aunt to my metalhead pal — and now I’m tipping you off, too.

Mar 27, 2025

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

While some of the songs are lovely, the chemistry between its characters is what helps this quirky British musical comedy find its charming rhythm.

Mar 28, 2025

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Christopher Llewellyn Reed

Hammer to Nail

Laughter and real tears mix beautifully together in what becomes, by its end, a moving testament to love and friendship.

Mar 28, 2025

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Frank Swietek

One Guy's Opinion

A genial, understated, warmhearted fish-out-of-water story...as charming and quirky as the short was, if a bit overextended.

Rated: B

Mar 27, 2025

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Ghederick Eshmont

There is a stunning departure from Wallis Island that left me with heavy resentment for the character…it will be curious to review others’ opinions on this exquisite film

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/28/25

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Sean T

With so many memorable scenes and a narrative that feels uniquely British yet universally appealing, it proves that sometimes the hype is real. What started as a simple short film has blossomed into a full-length feature that delivers in every way. It’s charming, clever, and completely captivating—a film that sticks with you for all the right reasons.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/28/25

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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: Movie Clip - There Goes the Sun

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Movie Clip - Anecdotes

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 2

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 1

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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
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 40m