The Ballad of Wallis Island
When an eccentric but benign habitant of Wallis Island, Charles (Tim Key), manages to book his favorite musical act McGwyer Mortimer, to play an exclusive show on the island it would seem his dreams have come true. But, for artists Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) the booking may prove to be too much for their respective hearts and minds considering the two have been separated for years. Now with thousands of British pounds on the line each must attempt to put aside their differences in order to play the gig, but is it all too much, and what’s truly motivating all involved?
Written by Tom Basden and Tim Key and Directed by James Griffiths, this entirely endearing British comedy lobs a nonstop barrage of dad joke quality one liners from stem to stern bringing the overall comedic water temperature to a roiling simmer with occasional boils. But the film’s heart is what counts in this soul searching gem for tortured artists and those who let a certain special catch get away. For all of its witty dialogue, the film’s strongest moments come with complete silence and vulnerability to provide a surprisingly emotional journey for the viewer; reminding us that not all films need to have massive budgets, special effects, and big names attached in order to leave a lasting impression. Rather, the power of this smaller budget gem is in its overall spirit, essence, and honest storytelling ability to make it the winner you didn’t see coming. Worth the hour and forty minutes of your time, The Ballad of Wallis Island is rated PG-13.