This delightful British comedy-drama was one of the standout indie hits of 2025. Written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, and based on a short film that they made in 2007, it features an eccentric millionaire Charles Heath (played by Key) who hires his favourite folk duo McGwyer Mortimer (played by Basden and Carey Mulligan) to come and play a gig on his island. The only issue is that the duo haven’t seen each other in years after a major falling out, so their ‘reunion’ is not straightforward. (The music in the film was written by Tom Basden and he and Mulligan have a great musical chemistry.)

The film has layers of poignancy as we come to understand more about Charles and why he has such a deep longing for an earlier time in his life, but there is also plenty of comedy and great one liners. Key in particular has a fantastic turn of phrase and is perfect as the awkward but big-hearted Charles.

Empire magazine gave the film a four star review: “...it finds a sweet spot between heart and humour that sensitively explores love, loss and the difficulty in reconciling with the past, without ever skimping on great gags. As writers and performers, Basden and Key handle their bruised people with compassion and generosity. As such, The Ballad Of Wallis Island is warm, perceptive and quietly life-affirming.”

Director
James Griffiths

Date of Release
2025

Running time
99 min

Rating
12A

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Language
English