The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)

The gentle music of folk singers John and Di Cullen was a perfect accompaniment to our evening.  A lovely variety of songs to delight us, including one from the perspective of an elderly person, “Tell me if I start to say the same things twice”, and one in Cockney rhyming slang, Di introduced us to the music of Anna Shannon, “who paints pictures with words.” John and Di are always welcome at RCC!

It's hard to knock The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025). It tells a simple story well and generally we felt it was charming with beautiful photography.  We liked the way the Welsh rain was incorporated.  It’s easy to understand why this low-key (pun alert) British film has enchanted audiences.

We found the message on the lantern in the final scenes difficult to read, but that didn’t seem to spoil most people’s enjoyment. Tom Basden’s music wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we considered it a feelgood, heartwarming film.

We talked a little about the ending and whether we wanted the singers to get back together. We felt the path taken was more realistic than a happy ending, which could have been ‘twee.’  Threads were tied up and it was a satisfying conclusion. The film expresses the poignancy of trying to revisit the past, when others are looking to the future.

Tim Key’s character Charles was described as “funny, clumsy, twittish and cute.”  Our filmmaker in the group mentioned the energy conveyed, as the film only took eighteen days to make. This intensity led to “a synergy and tightness” between the actors. The script was praised.  

A happy evening, with some fine chocolate brownies being the icing on the cake. Well, you know what I mean.  

Anne