The Ballad of Wallis Island

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The Ballad of Wallis Island

PG-13

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1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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97%

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69 Reviews

89%

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100+ 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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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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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

We may all wish for a visit to Wallis Island when the movie ends.

Rated: B+

Apr 5, 2025

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Charles Koplinski

Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam

"The Ballad of Wallis Island” is a film about the things we hold onto long after we should have put them aside.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Apr 16, 2025

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

Even if you are not an aging legend or an affluent islander, the characters are relatable as people stuck in the past who need the other to give them a gentle nudge into the next phase of life and authentic pleasure.

Apr 14, 2025

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Jonathan W. Hickman

The Newnan Times-Herald

The low-key approach and winning performances meld well with the heartfelt narrative.

Rated: 7/10

Apr 11, 2025

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Kurt E

Fun story. Good comedy and unexpectedly emotional.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Mark F

A thoroughly enjoyable film in all aspects. the story is unique and original, with a perfect balance of humor and genuine emotion. performances are all high quality, but it is Tim key, the lead, who is an absolute scene stealer. if you're looking for an excellent movie that is light and an alternative to the big budget blockbusters, this is for you.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

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inger

Loved everything about it💜

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

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Richard Sanchez

Heartfelt movie set in a beautiful locations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

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Rob

This movie is a gem. It is heartwarming and the actors fit in their roles perfectly. Dialogues and situations are quite funny too! I very much liked the ending. Will download it for the archive when it becomes available.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

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J P

I want to go live with Charles on his island. Such a funny and good movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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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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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
Box Office (Gross USA): $722.3K
Runtime: 1h 40m

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