The Ballad of Wallis Island

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The Ballad of Wallis Island

PG-13

2025

1h 40m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

143 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 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.

Critics Consensus

The Ballad of Wallis Island hums along a sweet melody without lapsing into outright sentimentality, mining a great deal of warmth from its humble premise.

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Francesca Steele

Sight & Sound

Nov 4

This is simple but not simplistic filmmaking; an exceedingly British comedy that steers just clear of mawkish.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Oct 8

A bittersweet, cardigan-clad small treasure of a film and a balm for battered souls. If there’s any justice in the world it should be the breakout hit of the summer.

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

Sep 2

4/5

This is a fish-out-of-water, odd couple, art and romance dramedy that reminds me of terrific television series such as Hamish Macbeth (1995-97) and Northern Exposure (1990-95). It is charming throughout, humorous and moving.

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Mar 27

4/5

The offbeat premise sets up a wonderful series of humorous moments that hinge on endearingly awkward interaction between people who connect unexpectedly.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 8

3/4

A charming seriocomedy.

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Brett McCracken

The Gospel Coalition

Feb 6

I miss movies like this: relatively clean, good-hearted romantic comedies that know how to make audiences both laugh and cry.

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Olivia W

Aug 16

Charming, original, completely enchanting film. Great characters. Perfect casting. A true gem.

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nicole j

May 12

Very well made movie and super funny too.

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Paul C

05/08/2025

Really cute show. A little slow at times but a really neat ending.

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Jeff

04/27/2025

Best movie of the year,incredible.

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Brandon

04/26/2025

Slow, boring, not enough music, no climax.

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JEH

04/26/2025

a thoughtful take on real life and relationships

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James Griffiths

Director

Tom Basden

Herb McGwyer

Tim Key

Charles Heath

Carey Mulligan

Nell Mortimer

Akemnji Ndifernyan

Michael

Sian Clifford

Amanda

The Ballad of Wallis Island: Exclusive Movie Clip - Anecdotes

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Movie Clip - There Goes the Sun

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Movie Clip - Anecdotes

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Comedian and Author Tim Key Talks Carey Mulligan & ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 2

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The Ballad of Wallis Island: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 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.

Director: James Griffiths
Producer: Rupert Majendie
Screenwriter: Tom Basden, Tim Key
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Baby Cow Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Language and Smoking)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 6, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.6M
Runtime: 1h 40m