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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74 Reviews

91%

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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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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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Carla Renata

The Curvy Film Critic

Ever wonder why your favorite duo or band broke up or if you might ever witness them reunite? The Ballad of Wallis Island does exactly that. Chemistry is key for a film of this nature. Basden, Mulligan and Key have it in spades

Apr 18, 2025

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Amanda the Jedi

Amanda the Jedi (Youtube)

There's a simple charm and beauty to this movie that just made me feel so happy to be alive. It's so sincere and the trailer truly does not do it justice. Would kill and die for Charles.

Apr 18, 2025

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Candice McMillan

Seattle Refined

[Writer-director-actor Tim] Key's delivery, full of sincerity and earnestness, sells the film, regardless of what predictable avenues it eventually peruses... Ballad is simply a joyous celebration of how film can reach through the screen and make us feel.

Apr 17, 2025

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G

Amazing start to finish

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/19/25

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James

Heartfelt and dry witted lols

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/18/25

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Gary G

Boring and lame. I don't know what other audience and critics are thinking.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/18/25

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

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