The Ballad of Wallis Island, written by and starring Tim Key and Tom Basden, is a comedic film that was released to acclaim at both Sundance and SXSW film festivals earlier this year. The story follows Charles Heath (Key), an eccentric lottery winner living on the remote Wallis Island, as he uses his wealth to bring together the long-since broken-up folk duo McGwyer Mortimer. Herb McGwyer (Basden) arrives to play what he believes is a solo gig to the island’s residents, only to soon discover that not only has Charles invited Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) but also her new husband, Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen). Throwing yet another wrench into Herb’s visit is the revelation that the audience for their concert will be Charles, and only Charles.
Each aspect of this film coalesces to make one of the most enjoyable theatre-going experiences I have had in years. The script (written by Key and Basden) is top-notch, combining comedy and rich character arcs effortlessly. If you are familiar with Key and Basden, the dialogue will feel very familiar, yet fresh at the same time.
Key brings a relatability to Charles, especially to anyone with a hardcore obsession, and/or has troubles with social cues and norms. What could have been an obnoxious motormouth character in the wrong hands instead showcases Key’s extraordinary talent to show a real depth to the layered emotional life that Charles leads.
The full cast is small, but memorable. Key, Basden, Mulligan, Ndifornyen, and Sian Clifford (shopkeeper Amanda) each put up strong performances. The film is only bolstered each time one or more of them is on screen.
The cinematography pulls its weight, showcasing the gorgeous Wallis Island (filmed on location in Wales) in splendor. It is sure to make anyone who watches the film want to book a cozy, coastal vacation immediately.
The color palette of costumes is more on the muted side, with Charles’s wonderful handmade red-and-white whale cardigan an immediate favorite. Do not let the earth tones, white-and-black, and mustard yellows deter you from imagining this film as anything but a lighthouse of emotional warmth, though.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a breath of fresh air. It has just the right balance of comedy, drama, music, and the twinkling edges of blossoming romance. It is the heartfelt, sentimental, richly comedic film we could all use right now.
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” was released in select US theaters on March 28th and is now playing in many more. Find your closest screening and buy tickets at https://focusfeatures.com/the-ballad-of-wallis-island/?gad_source=1
You can find the official soundtrack wherever you stream music (original songs written by Basden, performed by Basden and Mulligan).
