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The Ballad of Wallis Island

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The Ballad of Wallis Island

PG-13

Released Mar 28

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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98%

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99 Reviews

93%

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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.

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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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Catherine Bray

Guardian

Basden does excellent work as a character, in contrast, whose face does the talking: a spiky presence, all low cut T-shirts, wounded ego and rounded shoulders. It’s a perfect performance both as an actor and, when the songs come along, as a musician.

Rated: 4/5

May 29, 2025

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Mulligan brings heart to Basden’s wistful folk compositions, and Key babbles amiably, as this crowd-pleaser salutes the redemptive power of a singsong.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 29, 2025

Full Review

Katherine McLaughlin

Little White Lies

It may be a tad uneven and repetitive in places but it’s also enjoyably sweet and silly.

Rated: 3/5

May 29, 2025

Full Review

Harry Guerin

RTÉ (Ireland)

There's something about the onslaught of time, the aging of the central trio, and, indeed, yourself that makes the quirks, laughs, and misty-eyed moments of The Ballad of Wallis Island all the more powerful in the present day.

Rated: 5/5

May 30, 2025

Full Review

Tori Brazier

metro.co.uk

One of the most relentlessly funny films I’ve seen... A gloriously British movie, The Ballad of Wallis Island is just a little bit magic – and thoroughly cast its spell over me.

Rated: 5/5

May 30, 2025

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Ian Sandwell

Digital Spy

The Ballad of Wallis Island is the best British movie of the year so far, and it's barely a contest. You'll immediately want an encore.

Rated: 5/5

May 30, 2025

Full Review

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nicole j

Very well made movie and super funny too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Paul C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/25

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Jeff

Best movie of the year,incredible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/27/25

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Brandon

Slow, boring, not enough music, no climax.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

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JEH

a thoughtful take on real life and relationships

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

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Rebecca D

I didn't go into this movie with a lot of expectations, mostly because I didn't know much about it, but now I'm a fan. It's adorable and fun and we need more movies like it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/25

Full Review

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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: Exclusive Movie Clip - Anecdotes

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

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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, 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

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