Every once in a while, a movie comes along that just touches you in a way you did not expect going into it. The Ballad of Wallis Island is one of those movies.
Because of the world’s current climate, and so many heavy movies coming out, it was nice to sit back and enjoy a refreshing, charming, feel-good film. Yes, there are some deeper moments, and I am not afraid to admit that I teared up more than once, but overall this movie is a celebration of humanity, relationships, and music. It is something we all could use right now, trust me.
The Ballad of Wallis Island tells the story of a simple man who lives on a remote island named Charles (Tim Key). He wants nothing more than to reunite one of his favorite bands, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan), for a private gig. It doesn’t take long for things to become strained as Herb McGwyer had no idea his ex-bandmate (and ex-lover) Nell Mortimer was going to be there.
There are very few characters in this film, which is part of what makes it so charming. It takes place on a remote island so it makes sense that not many people are around. Even with the main focus falling on Charles, Herb, and Nell, Nell’s husband Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen) has a smaller but important role.
Herb and Nell find themselves reconnecting through music, with several simple, quiet, and beautiful musical performances sprinkled throughout The Ballad of Wallis Island. These are the moments that I found myself getting emotional, tearing up, and watching with a big smile on my face. Mulligan and Basden both have incredible voices, that sound wonderful together. I can see why Charles became so obsessed with their music.
Charles is a quirky man. He is awkward at times and eccentric at others. He brings the majority of the comedy and humor throughout The Ballad of Wallis Island, but it is really his relationship with Herb that becomes the heart and soul of the film. Don’t get me wrong, Nell is a very important piece to the puzzle, but the true, dig-deep, emotional moments that will stick with viewers for a long time to come are between Herb and Charles.
Of course, there is more to the story, and when audiences start to discover why McGwyer Mortimer is so important to Charles, it is going to come like a gut punch to the heart. Sure, part of the reasoning is predictable and obvious, considering the groundwork that is laid throughout the film, but the real core of the importance of this gig is something that is sure to resonate with many viewers.
James Griffiths directs, but it is the stars, Tom Basden and Tim Key, who wrote The Ballad of Wallis Island. This has got to be part of the reason this movie feels so earnest – because it means so much to the lead performers.
Because Charles is such a lovable character, and thanks to Key’s brilliant portrayal of him, audiences are going to root for him from the start. Herb is more guarded and hard-headed, even going so far as to make fun of Charles when he first meets him. That is why his arc throughout the film is so important. I truly think that people are going to watch this movie and walk out changed. It is cute, funny, and utterly charming, but it also showcases the ups and downs of humanity.
Mulligan’s Nell comes into the film, impacts the story, and then moves along. While I would have liked to see more of her in the third act, I think her absence is necessary to tell the story that needs to be told – Herb’s story.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a feel-good movie that is going to make a lot of people smile, which is all that we can ask for in this day and age.
Rating: 10 out of 10
The Ballad of Wallace Island comes to theaters on March 28.
The Ballad of Wallace Island Synopsis: The Ballad of Wallace Island follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow.