| Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute
In “The Ballad Of Wallis Island,” we meet McGwyer and Mortimer, two friends who haven’t played together in years. McGwyer has moved on to a solo career, but fans want to hear those classic songs at a special gig on Wallis Island. The film explores the lengths some will go to for nostalgia, mixing humor with heartfelt moments.
This film was the surprise feature at the Glasgow Film Festival, sparking chatter among attendees. Many viewers, drawn to a film they typically wouldn’t see, found themselves laughing along. This is part of the magic of surprise films, offering unexpected gems to audiences.
Tim Key stars as Charles, while Tom Basden plays Herb. Charles is busy organizing the event, and Herb’s reluctant to revisit his past. Director James Griffiths brings a fresh take, having previously worked on a short film about these characters. New faces, like Carey Mulligan as Nell and Sian Clifford as Amanda, add more layers to the story and create interesting complications.
The film’s opening is a humorous nod to war movies, comparing a dramatic landing to scenes from “Saving Private Ryan.” Herb and Charles, much like other quirky duos, face challenges in their own unique ways.
Throughout the movie, I found myself chuckling at the delightful mix of awkwardness and sincerity. Key’s comedic style is engaging, and if you’ve enjoyed his past work, this will resonate with you. The mix-ups and misunderstandings in dialogue, like confusing ‘auks’ and ‘orcs,’ add to the charm of the film.
The film also features an original soundtrack, with beautiful harmonies from Mulligan and Basden that elevate the experience. Certain visuals, like the shadow of a cloud drifting over a landscape, create hauntingly beautiful moments, reminiscent of stunning imagery in other films.
While the story balances humor with moments of melancholy, it reflects real-life creativity struggles. Key and Basden shine in their roles, supported by Mulligan, who brings a fresh energy to the film. Even though she isn’t predominantly a comedy actress on screen, her performance shows she can match the vibe perfectly.
If you’re a fan of clever comedy and engaging storytelling, “The Ballad Of Wallis Island” will likely captivate you. It’s a delightful journey worth experiencing, blending laughter, nostalgia, and poignant moments seamlessly.
Reviewed on: 08 Mar 2025
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