The Reel Review
A self-centered, middle-aged pop star agrees to a gig on an island off the coast of Wales only to discover it is for just one person – an eccentric, two-time lottery winner – who has also invited the star’s former folk singing partner/love interest to the island. Tom Basden, Tim Key and Carey Mulligan star this dramedy written by Basden and Key.
Key (Mickey 17, See How They Run) channels some droll and quirky humor, assisted by Sian Clifford (Fleabag, See How They Run) as the island’s well-meaning shopkeeper who thinks Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are peanut butter in a coffee cup. Over time we discover that the planned performance is on the five-year anniversary of the death of Charles’ wife, who had been a super fan of the folk duo.
The midsection of the film does lag a bit but for those with the patience, it does picks up towards the sweet, unpredictable ending, exploring themes of loneliness and the curative power of music, and new beginnings.
REEL FACTS
• The Ballad of Wallis Island is adapted from Tom Basden and Tim Key’s BAFTA-nominated 2007 short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.
• Charles’ house in the film is in the same town where director James Griffiths’ mother was born and raised.
• The Ballad of Wallis Island was filmed in just 18 days along the coast of Carmarthenshire County with Ramsey Island standing in as the island backdrop.
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