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.
- Awards
- 1 win & 8 nominations total
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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Featured reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaTook just 18 days to film.
- GoofsWhen 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?
- ConnectionsReferences Take the Money and Run (1969)
- SoundtracksMorning/Evening
Written by Tom Basden
Performed by Tom Basden (uncredited) and Carey Mulligan (uncredited)
- How long is The Ballad of Wallis Island?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- La Balada De La Isla
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,607,835
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $94,233
- Mar 30, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $6,063,270
- Runtime
- 1h 39m(99 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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