Unveiling the Magic of ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’: In-Depth Movie Review (2025) | Roger Ebert

When folk musician Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) lands on Wallis Island, he thinks he’s headed for a small gig. But the show is for just one person: Charles (Tim Key). Charles is a wealthy fan who’s collected everything from guitars to press clippings of Herb’s former band. While this adoration makes Herb uneasy, their quirky friendship adds a charming element to the story.

The film, “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” directed by James Griffith, is a delightful comedy that builds on a short he created years ago. Written by Basden and Key, the movie shines with genuine humor, catchy folk tunes, and stunning island scenery.

Wallis Island is beautifully depicted. When Herb arrives by motorboat, he wades through chilly water to reach the shore. Charles greets him with an eraser board—an odd welcome. There are no hotels or stores here, just Charles’ house, which he calls Wallis Lodge, and a quirky little shop run by Amanda (Sian Clifford) that never seems to have anything in stock. The cinematography captures this charming, worn-down setting lovingly, reflecting Charles’ affection for the place.

Initially, Herb isn’t thrilled to be in such an isolated town, but he hopes to get paid for his performance. Things take a twist when he spots Nell (Carey Mulligan), his former bandmate and girlfriend, arriving with her new husband. Charles dreams of reuniting the pair, but this brings back uncomfortable feelings for Herb and Nell.

The film draws some parallels to “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Charles embodies the well-meaning but clueless friend, asking Herb awkward personal questions. Herb, like Steve Martin’s character, struggles to deal with his annoyingly persistent fan but holds on due to his need for money. Tim Key does a fantastic job of balancing charm and a hint of sadness in Charles’ character.

However, the spotlight can sometimes shift too much to Herb, who feels lackluster compared to the vibrant Charles. While he is a once-celebrated musician, he comes off as pretty dull. Unlike other characters who might show potential for growth, Herb seems stuck, making moments with him less engaging.

Yet, as Herb interacts with Nell, he starts to think about rekindling their relationship. Their chemistry reveals deeper layers in both characters—Nell shines as a talented artist contemplating her musical journey, while Herb discovers parts of himself he thought were lost. Together, they feel real, complex, and relatable.

Griffith skillfully sidesteps making this a typical romantic comedy. It’s not just about Herb and Nell or even Charles. The film explores a poignant theme: the struggle to move on from the past. No matter how hard they try, Charles and Herb can’t recreate their former glories. In “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” Griffith captures this bittersweet reality, leading to a heartwarming exploration of letting go and new beginnings.

This review is based on the premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is set to open on March 28, 2025.