Every so often, a movie sneaks up on you. Gentle readers, I knew nothing about The Ballad of Wallis Island as I sat down in the theater. There was only one thing I could tell you: a Carey Mulligan movie is always a good decision. Would the easy-going musical carry a tune? Or does The Ballad of Wallis Island strike a sour note?
The Ballad of Wallis Island
The Ballad of Wallis Island drops audiences into the story of lottery winner Charles (Tim Key). He lives a quiet life on a quaint island in the United Kingdom. With his money burning a hole in his pocket, he invites his favorite folk duo (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan) to give a private concert. There is one problem, though. The group broke up a long time ago. Will the musicians be able to put the drama aside and find the magic they once enjoyed? Sian Clifford and Akemnji Ndifornyen co-star in the film. James Griffiths directs The Ballad of Wallis Island from a script by Basden and Key.
Friends, I needed an easy, feel-good movie this week, and The Ballad of Wallis Island was just the ticket. Have you ever experienced a cinematic hug? This coffee shop musical floats and meanders, and it is honestly just pleasant to watch. I wanted to burrow myself inside the sedate comfortability of this effortless character drama. If you’re a fan of movies like Once and Begin Again, you should definitely add The Ballad of Wallis Island to your lists. Trust me.
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It’s easy to plunge into this comfortable and quiet little world. Tim Key steps into the role of Charles with a likable awkwardness that is a thing of beauty. While this man is not the smoothest of characters, there’s a joy to his portrayal that is impossible not to like.
At the same time, though, all three main actors find a beautiful chemistry working with each other. Basden and Mulligan shine as the singing duo. They not only sell the film’s easy folk music but also tap into the powerful history Herb and Nell share together. Honestly? I wanted so much more of their personal story.
The film paints a powerful picture of two artists forced to acknowledge their past. Audiences are dropped into the story with no background, and we learn who these characters are along with Charles. These people are onions. We discover new layers the deeper we get into the movie. Mulligan is, of course, characteristically good. She doesn’t know how to give bad performances. However, there’s just not enough of her, and I was left wanting more.
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It is Basden’s Herb, however, who is the film’s focus. This is a character we’ve seen before. As a popular music star thrust back into his former life, his fear is understandable. He’s alone and out of his element. To make matters worse, he has to face and acknowledge the sins of his past life.
It’s easy to potentially not like Herb. He’s rough and abrasive. He isn’t always the nicest person. When he sings, though, we see through his defenses. We understand who this man truly is. This is when Basden is certainly at his best. While he’s no slouch with the acting, the musical performances feel second nature to him.
It also must be said right here that Basden is credited as having written the film’s songs. It’s a captivating acoustic soundtrack that yours truly ran to download as soon as she walked out of the theater. If you’ve got “Falling Slowly” in your music collection, this is one not to miss.
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When all is said and done, The Ballad of Wallis Island is like its soundtrack. It’s an easy, almost effortless joy. It strums and it meanders, but there’s something truly lovable here. Hurry to the theater, and don’t forget to download the soundtrack. You won’t regret it.
The Ballad of Wallis Island opens in theaters around the country on April 11, 2025.
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