Movie lovers are you looking for something to warm your heart? Then get ready for The Ballad of Wallis Island. This movie starring the always fantastic Carey Mulligan is pure movie magic. It is sweet funny and full of amazing folk music . Trust us this is one you don't want to miss.
A Simple Story A Whole Lot of Heart: What's 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' About?
The movie centers around Charles a super nice and kinda quirky guy played by Tim Key. Charles wins the lottery and decides to use some of his winnings in a very special way. He invites his all-time favorite folk band McGwyer Mortimer to play a private concert just for him on a remote island where he lives. Sounds a little odd right? Well it gets better.
McGwyer Mortimer is actually a duo made up of Herb and Nell Mortimer played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Here's the catch Herb and Nell used to be a couple both musically and romantically but that ended a while ago. So this Wallis Island gig is not just a concert it is a reunion a potentially awkward one.
Herb who is now doing his own solo music thing arrives on Wallis Island a bit grumpy. He is not thrilled about this whole thing. All he knows is he is getting paid a lot of money. Then Nell shows up with her new husband Michael and things get even more complicated and fun.
Meet the Characters: Carey Mulligan Tom Basden and Tim Key Shine
The movie is all about these three main characters and the actors are fantastic.
- Charles (Tim Key): Charles is the mega-fan who makes this whole thing happen. He is chatty a bit of a recluse but totally good-hearted. Tim Key is brilliant at playing Charles's quirky charm and endless enthusiasm.
- Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden): Herb is the musician who thinks his best days are behind him. He is a bit of a worrier and maybe still hung up on his past with Nell. Tom Basden perfectly captures Herb's grumpy but secretly sweet nature.
- Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan): Nell is Herb's ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend. She is now making chutney in Oregon and seems to have moved on. Carey Mulligan is amazing as always playing Nell with a cool confidence and dry humor that is just perfect.
These three together create such a fun and interesting dynamic. You really root for them even when they are bickering and being a little awkward.
Folk Music and Funny Moments: Why You Will Love 'The Ballad of Wallis Island'
What makes this movie so special? It is a mix of a few things. The tone is just right it is gentle humorous and never gets too heavy. It is about moving on from the past and finding connections again even in unexpected places. And the music oh the music is so good.
Tom Basden wrote around 25 original folk songs for the movie. They sound like classic folk songs but totally fresh at the same time. Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden actually sing in the movie and their voices together are lovely. The song "Our Love" is especially beautiful and you get a sneak peek of it in some of the trailers.
But it is not just a musical. It is a comedy too. Tim Key as Charles is hilarious. He is always talking making puns and just being a total fanboy. There are so many quotable lines you will be laughing throughout the movie.
Critics and Audiences Agree: 'Wallis Island' is a Gem
The Ballad of Wallis Island premiered at Sundance Film Festival and people have been loving it ever since. Critics are calling it charming delightful and a real crowd-pleaser . Some are even saying it is one of the loveliest movies of the year so far. That is high praise!
If you liked movies like Juliet, Naked you will probably adore this one. It has that same feel-good vibe and focuses on characters you really care about. It is the kind of movie you can recommend to pretty much anyone your aunt your metalhead friend even grocery store clerks in Park City apparently.
Meet the Team Behind the Magic: Cast and Crew Details
Here is a quick look at the talented people who made The Ballad of Wallis Island happen:
- Starring: Carey Mulligan Tom Basden Tim Key Sian Clifford Akemnji Ndifornyen
- Directed by: James Griffiths
- Written by: Tom Basden and Tim Key (based on their short film)
- Music by: Tom Basden Adem Ilhan
See 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' in Theaters This April - Release Info
Ready to see this movie for yourself? The Ballad of Wallis Island is getting a theatrical release starting March 28th in select theaters and going wider on April 18th. It is rated PG-13 for some language and smoking and it runs for 99 minutes. Perfect length for a delightful movie night .
If you are tired of big action movies and want something that is heartwarming funny and just plain lovely then definitely check out The Ballad of Wallis Island. You might just find your new favorite feel-good movie of the year.