“Ballad of Wallis Island” A Sentimental, Humorous Film
- Matt Palmer
- May 14, 2025
- 3 min read
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGywer Mortimer, 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.
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” is one of those films that was never on my radar. This film from Focus Features had a very limited theatrical release domestically and when I saw the trailers for the film, I decided to add it to my film festival list of films to see.
This little film delivers quite a few witty moments blended in with really heartfelt scenes as well. Tim Key’s portrayal of Charles, the quirky lottery winner, delivers a good amount of the humor that’s scattered throughout this film. His character is rather cheerful and has a real deep knowledge of the music of McGwyer Mortimer.
While Charles is a quirky character in the film, he does have a heart-warming, moving reason why he wanted to bring them to the island. The former folk duo, Herb and Nell, can also be quite amusing due to their different personalities.
The Herb and Nell story explores their complex past and some of the lingering baggage they both carry. During their story, there’s also some great little folk music which is also an integral part of the overall story. The songs that we hear and enjoy throughout the film are also written by Tom Basden, who also portrays Herb McGwyer and co-wrote the film as well.
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” is a feel-good film that does a decent job infusing some silly hilarious comedy and folk music. So, if you’re looking for a film that delivers a great blend of humor, music and a moving touch of melancholy, then make sure to give “The Ballad of Wallis Island” a chance!
Cast: Tim Key (Charles Heath); Tom Basden (Herb McGwyer); Carey Mulligan (Nell Mortimer); Steve Marsh (Peter); Sian Clifford (Amanda); Akemnji Ndifornyen (Michael); Luka Downie (Marcus); Kerrie Thomson (Marie).
Writer/director: Tim Key (writer); Tom Basden (writer); James Griffiths (director).
TRIVIA: The project began as a short film Key and Basden made with James Griffiths and produced by Moxie Pictures. “The One and One Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island” won Best Short Film at The Edinburgh International Film Festival and was nominated for the 2008 BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.
The feature film, initially entitled “One For The Money” was acquired by Focus Features not long after its festival debut and was later retitled as “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, followed by a limited theatrical release in the US on March 28.
MPA: PG-13 for some language and smoking (running time 99 minutes)
Basden and Key co-wrote the film's screenplay. It is based on the 2007 short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, which Griffiths also directed and Basden and Key also co-wrote.
The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island won best short film at The Edinburgh International Film Festival and was nominated for the 2008 BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.
The feature film, initially entitled One For the Money, had Rupert Majendie as producer with Bankside Films representing sales. Focus Features subsequently acquired worldwide rights to the project, which was later retitled The Ballad of Wallis Island, with Universal Pictures handling the international release on its behalf.
The Ballad of Wallis Island premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, followed by a limited theatrical release in the United States on March 28, 2025. It had its UK premiere on 5 March, 2025 at the Glasgow Film Festival as the annual ‘Surprise Film’. It was then screened on 25 April, 2025 as the opening film of the International Film Festival of St Andrews.
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