THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND 12

This delightful British comedy-drama has been one of the standout indie hits of 2025. Written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, and based on a short film that they made in 2007, it features an eccentric millionaire Charles Heath (played by Key) who hires his favourite folk duo McGwyer Mortimer (played by Basden and Carey Mulligan) to come and play a gig on his island. The only issue is that the duo haven’t seen each other in years after a major falling out, so their ‘reunion’ is not straightforward. (The music in the film was written by Tom Basden and he and Mulligan have a great musical chemistry.)

The film has layers of poignancy as we come to understand more about Charles and why he has such a deep longing for an earlier time in his life, but there also is plenty of comedy and great one liners. Key in particular has a fantastic turn of phrase and is perfect as the awkward but big hearted Charles.

Empire magazine gave the film a four star review: “...it finds a sweet spot between heart and humour that sensitively explores love, loss and the difficulty in reconciling with the past, without ever skimping on great gags. As writers and performers, Basden and Key handle their bruised people with compassion and generosity. As such, The Ballad Of Wallis Island is warm, perceptive and quietly life-affirming.”

The Ballad of Wallis Island is 1 hour 39 minutes long, plus an interval.