The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)

Set on a windswept, remote British island, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a charming, bittersweet comedy-drama that beautifully blends music, memory, and mischief. At its heart is Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric two-time lottery winner who has retreated to his fortress-meets-holiday home on Wallis Island, far from crowds, WiFi and the everyday world. He harbours a singular dream: to reunite his favourite, now-defunct folk-rock duo, McGwyer & Mortimer, for a private concert at his place.

The duo consists of Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) — once musical partners, once lovers, now estranged. When Charles convinces them to come to the island with the promise of a big fee and what seems like a casual gig, the trio’s dynamic quickly shifts. Old tensions bubble: Herb is hoping for a fresh start, Nell has moved on, and Charles’s delusional grandeur begins to collide with reality.

What makes this film especially appealing is its rich mix of elements:

• Original music & live performance: The film features songs by the on-screen duo, lending real weight and emotion to their reunion and offering a satisfying musical arc. 

• Idyllic, off-grid setting: The island itself feels like a character — isolated, windswept, beautiful and slightly melancholy. It frames the story visually and thematically as one of retreat and reckoning. 

• Shrewd emotional depth: While the setup has comedic potential — oddball millionaire, reluctant musicians, dream gig gone awry — the film doesn’t settle for easy jokes. It explores regret, artistic compromise, the cost of obsession, and the difficulties of letting go. 

• Light-hearted warmth with sharp wit: The writing (by Key & Basden) is full of quirky charm and verbal play, yet keeps a steady emotional beat. Fans of Dry British comedy, character-driven stories or subtle wit will find much to enjoy.

The essence of the film is: a dream concert for one becomes a crucible of identity, creativity and connection. Charles’s fantasy collides with the reality of broken relationships, musical middle-age and the question of why we do what we love. The island gives them space to confront it all — and for the viewer to both laugh and reflect.

If you’re drawn to films that are gentle yet resonant, where setting, sound and character all matter, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a satisfying escape. Whether you love folk music, outsider characters, slice-of-life humour with emotional depth or simply a beautifully shot British indie that lingers after the credits roll — this one is well worth your time.