The Ballad Of Wallis Island ★★★★

Released: 30 May 2025

Director: James Griffiths

Starring: Tom Basden, Tim Key, Carey Mulligan, Sian Clifford

Between them, Tom Basden and Tim Key are both recognisable figures within the UK film and comedy scenes, writing and starring in projects including Plebs, Afterlife, Fresh Meat and Alan Partridge. The two now combine their talents, writing and starring in The Ballad of Wallis Island. Basden’s Herb McGwyer is invited to the secluded titular island to perform a small show to “less than 100 people”. He is lodging with the mysterious Charles (Key), who has organised the show and is constantly hovering around Herb, barely giving him room to breathe.

Herb is formerly part of the famed folk duo McGwyer Mortimer but hasn’t spoken to the other half of the duo, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), in some years as he has pursued a solo career. Unbeknownst to Herb, Nell has also been invited along to the show, with her new husband in tow. Will this surprise reunion rekindle the old creative spark or cause problems?

The central trio of Key, Basen and Mulligan really help make this a compelling watch. Charles can seem overbearing and tiresome, but sadness lurks behind the optimism and bounce seen on the surface. Basden and Key are a perfect duo, anchoring so much of the charm and humour of the film. A pitch-perfect slice of British comedy drama, bolstered by the stunning Welsh locations that make up Wallis Island. Mulligan’s role may be smaller but she makes the most of her screentime showing how Nell has moved on in her life, something Herb seems to struggle with.

Basden and Mulligan also perform many of the duo’s songs heard in the film, which feel lifted from a real indie folk record from the late 00s or early 2010s, with the hallmarks of Laura Marling and others clear to see. This wonderfully compliments Adem Ilhan’s score.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a delightful, funny and moving film that shows how fame can affect people differently, tackling some weighty subjects involving grief engagingly and refreshingly. The central trio helps to make it a gripping watch with wonderful chemistry. It brings out the best of all involved, and here’s hoping it’s not the last collaboration between its lead stars/writers.