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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97%

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79 Reviews

92%

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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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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Love can be found and lasting connections can be made even in a world drowning in chaos and indecision. This is the song that The Ballad of Wallis Island triumphantly sings. It’s one worth playing on repeat.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 20, 2025

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Odie Henderson

Boston Globe

“The Ballad of Wallis Island” is a superb little sleeper that may not be on your moviegoing radar. It’s the kind of film I love to champion; that is, the small, effective character study that deserves your attention.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 12, 2025

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

"Wallis Island" explores themes of creativity, grieving and the passage of time with empathy and compassion without ever becoming maudlin.

Rated: B+

Apr 10, 2025

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Lisa Laman

Culturess

Still, lovely island scenery and some great vocals do help compensate for the shortcomings.

Apr 28, 2025

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Michael Cook

KLRT-TV

This is an absolutely lovely, lovely film.

Rated: 8.5/10

Apr 25, 2025

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Louisa Moore

Screen Zealots

A comforting, nostalgic, feel-good watch that will particularly resonate with anyone who has a deep connection to music.

Apr 22, 2025

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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

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tom k

A wonderful acoustic movie .. Beautiful scenerys adds to this very quirky movie. Such a wonderful story that any music or movie fan will cherish .. great cast and direction !

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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