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The Ballad of Wallis Island

  • 2025
  • PG-13
  • 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
15K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
866
190
Carey Mulligan, Tom Basden, and Tim Key in The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)
Charles, a strange lottery winner who lives alone on a secluded island, tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite singer, Herb McGwyer, to perform at a special, private event.
Play trailer1:04
13 Videos
50 Photos
Quirky ComedyComedyDramaMusicRomance

An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite musicians to perform at his home.

  • Director
    • James Griffiths
  • Writers
    • Tom Basden
    • Tim Key
  • Stars
    • Tom Basden
    • Tim Key
    • Sian Clifford
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    15K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    866
    190
    • Director
      • James Griffiths
    • Writers
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
    • Stars
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
      • Sian Clifford
    • 95User reviews
    • 94Critic reviews
    • 78Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 8 nominations total

    Videos13

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:04
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:28
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:28
    Official Trailer
    The Ballad of Wallis Island
    Trailer 2:31
    The Ballad of Wallis Island
    Herb McGwyer Arrives at Wallis Island
    Clip 8:06
    Herb McGwyer Arrives at Wallis Island
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: You're Boiling My Phone (US)
    Clip 7:49
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: You're Boiling My Phone (US)
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Anecdotes (Alt)
    Clip 1:33
    The Ballad Of Wallis Island: Anecdotes (Alt)

    Photos50

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    + 44
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    Top Cast9

    Edit
    Tom Basden
    Tom Basden
    • Herb McGwyer
    Tim Key
    Tim Key
    • Charles Heath
    Sian Clifford
    Sian Clifford
    • Amanda
    Steve Marsh
    • Peter
    Akemnji Ndifornyen
    Akemnji Ndifornyen
    • Michael
    Carey Mulligan
    Carey Mulligan
    • Nell Mortimer
    Luka Downie
    • Marcus
    Kerrie Thomason
    • Marie
    Arron Long
    Arron Long
    • Tour Guide
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • James Griffiths
    • Writers
      • Tom Basden
      • Tim Key
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews95

    7.414.7K
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    Featured reviews

    7saolivaresm

    The Pain of Moving On

    Cloaked in comedy, lies a perfect drama about forgetting and moving on without our past. This charming film is directed by James Griffiths, who writes a script written by its two protagonists, Tom Basden and Tim Key.

    It's a truly charming diversion that covers the pain with a sincere touch of British comedy wrapped in charming characters with whom you can identify in certain aspects and be invited to this concert of feelings and emotions that the film promises. It steers clear of clichés in the name of honesty and seriousness. This charming British comedy shows the full range of human relationships, but takes special care to highlight the good in each one, even if they are shrouded in grief and sadness in the process of reunion.

    It's a journey toward healing and the true soul hidden within friendship and admiration. Bathed in its wonderful melody, its impeccable soundtrack, and landscapes that fill the screen with its superb photography, it's a staging of great moments, a heartfelt comedy about loss, loneliness, and moving forward, captured in impeccable performances and truly satisfying characters who hide life's imperfection in an encounter that invites emotion and gratification at every moment.

    A film worth every second, an independent pastime with all the British cinema style that fits so well in this type of genre.
    10linzall

    Wonderful!

    One of the best films I have seen in a long time. I could watch this again and again. Heartwarming, funny, great cinematography, great script, great acting. Pulls at your heart strings just the right amount and funny all the way through. Great character development without any lags. Pace is spot on you almost wish it was longer. So good. Storyline is captivating. Scenery is beautiful and so many moments where you wish you were there. I have zero negative feedback on this. I hope more people see this. Excellent film especially in a time where all the movies seem to be about war or violence. Do not pass this one up.
    9qkgsrhdx

    Hilariously delightful. Surprisingly great

    This film manages to strike a balance of being both charming and heartwarming without going overboard on either romance or sentimentality.

    The humor is absolutely spot on, the entire theater was laughing out loud for many of the jokes. And the plot felt grounded, like the path of the characters lives felt realistic, and the ending was satisfying. Satisfying in the kind of way that makes you realize that life is complicated, and making the most of the good times is really important.

    I was really glad I chose to see this instead of a few more mainstream options. I think that this is a big departure from the usual trending topics in film which are somewhat downbeat and focus on human suffering. This is different and feels like a validation for indie cinema. Would absolutely recommend watching this.
    9c-m-f

    A touching and unexpectedly funny ode to love, loss, and redemption

    The Ballad of Wallis Island is a quiet gem that blends dry humor with deep emotion. At its heart, it's a romantic film - not just in the traditional sense, but in its celebration of love, loyalty, and human connection. The characters may start from very different places, but their arcs are believable and rewarding, unfolding with care and subtlety.

    The film handles grief and pride with nuance, and never feels manipulative or forced. It's slow-paced in the best way: giving space to linger, to feel, and to reflect. Poignant, charming, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, this is one of those rare films that stays with you long after the credits roll.

    Highly recommended for those who appreciate sincere, character-driven storytelling.
    9jchapmanandrews

    Gentle, painful, glorious, hilarious

    Just watch it - I was told nothing about it and it was the best way to approach it... It should win multiple awards from my perspective - as it combines individual (and some unknown) artistic brilliance with such a gentle style and yet such deep real life subjects. Brilliant. I would defy anyone to not be hugely moved.

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    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Took just 18 days to film.
    • Goofs
      When Herb does his solo acoustic gig on the beach, there's a discreet in-ear monitor visible in his right ear. The monitor would have been there only for filming purposes, not something a musician would normally have in his ear.
    • Quotes

      Herb McGwyer: I'm drenched

      Charles Heath: Dame Judy?

    • Connections
      References Take the Money and Run (1969)
    • Soundtracks
      Morning/Evening
      Written by Tom Basden

      Performed by Tom Basden (uncredited) and Carey Mulligan (uncredited)

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    FAQ19

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 18, 2025 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • La Balada De La Isla
    • Production companies
      • Focus Features
      • Baby Cow Productions
      • Moxie Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,607,835
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $94,233
      • Mar 30, 2025
    • Gross worldwide
      • $6,063,270
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 39m(99 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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