THE STORY – Eccentric lottery winner Charles dreams of getting his favorite musician duo, McGwyer Mortimer, back together. His fantasy becomes 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 desperately tries to salvage his dream gig.
THE CAST – Tom Basden, Tim Key, Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen & Carey Mulligan
THE TEAM – James Griffiths (Director), Tom Basden & Tim Key (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 100 Minutes
Anyone who has ever wished for their favorite band to get back together will fall head over heels for James Griffith’s hilariously lovable “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” Not only is it full of wit and dad jokes galore, but it has a surprising emotional depth that goes beyond most cliche tropes. A beloved and immensely talented cast (including Tom Basden and Tim Key, who also co-wrote the film, with the former also writing all the songs) helps make this English indie sing with a full heart.
Washed-up folk-turned-pop singer Herb McGwyer (Basden) literally washes up ashore on Wallis Island, where he has been invited by lovable and obsessive super fan Charles (Key, who is equally adorable as he is hilarious) to perform a concert for the quaint seaside community. They’re the most mismatched pairing possible — Herb cannot wait to get away from Charles’ constant quips (the Winona Ryder and Dame Judi Dench puns are among the best) — but it’s insanely delightful to watch them butt heads. Charles is flush with cash thanks to winning the lottery twice, and his one wish is to reunite his and his late wife’s favorite band, McGwyer Mortimer, for one last show. This is, of course, unbeknownst to Herb, who thinks he’s there to perform some of his new solo work.
When the other half of this duo, Nell Mortimer (a wonderful Carey Mulligan), arrives with husband Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen) in tow, all those awkward feelings between the former partners arise. We know what you’re thinking: Here come a bunch of explosive arguments and awkward conversations between Herb and Nell until they make up, run off into the sunset together, and live out their musical happily ever after. But Basden and Key know better than that. Instead, they focus on real conversations that former collaborators would have, which include hurt feelings over their respective careers and the history shared in their song lyrics. It’s much more engaging to see this story play out (akin to John Carney’s films) versus the “standard” version for which less emotionally in-tune writers would opt. Plus, we get to enjoy some impressive songwriting and singing from Basden and Mulligan, who are a dream team in this film.
As much as this story is about the two former bandmates, it later becomes clear that it’s also about loneliness and learning to put ourselves out there again. It’s most felt with Charles, still grieving his wife five years after her death and has essentially sequestered himself in his beautiful mansion. He has a tennis court which he only ever uses to practice solo serves, and even though it’s clear there’s a connection between him and shopkeeper Amanda (a sweet Sian Clifford), he’s too afraid to pursue anything there. Key manages to strike a perfect balance of humor and sincerity in his performance, landing one-liners with his stellar comedic timing and knowing when to pull back for full effect. Herb can relate to this too with how his career has gone since he split with Nell, and the more we learn about their relationship, the more we can understand what led to their breakup. That said, their storyline does leave a bit to be desired in the end but that feels more true to life than anything.
Another win for “The Ballad of Wallis Island” is its location and how cinematographer G. Magni Ágústsson captures this quaint landscape’s quirks. As tedious as the walks to and from the payphone are where Herb makes scathing calls to his manager, the lush greenery and crashing waves around him are hard to ignore. Amanda’s charming shop, where nothing is ever in stock (including a cheeky Reese’s peanut butter cup gag), makes for a cozy location, as well as Charles’ beautiful home, filled with McGwyer Mortimer memorabilia.
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” will instantly put a smile on your face with its hilarious script, heartfelt moments, and charming cast. Griffith and his writing duo know exactly when to hit the right emotional notes, leading to a sincere story with as much heart as its folk singers’ musical catalog.
