In James Griffiths’ quirky comedy “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” I find myself instantly drawn to the character Charles, played by Tim Key. Unlike others who might feel a tinge of envy at someone winning a big lottery not once, but twice, I can’t help but wish all the best for Charles. His gentle demeanor, generosity, and knack for puns make him such a warm-hearted individual that I don’t mind his good fortune finding him repeatedly. After traveling the world, he retires to a beautiful (fictional) Welsh island, which he humorously refers to as “Kathman-did.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that I was instrumental in crafting this delightful, wind-kissed tale set against the backdrop of a charming island – a story inspired by our 2007 short film “The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.” The endearing outcome reminds me of John Carney’s music-infused films and Jesse Peretz’s nostalgic “Juliet, Naked”. My character, Charles, brims with warmth that effortlessly dispels any initial skepticism about a self-indulgent millionaire embarking on a heartfelt journey.
Key, a regular in British comedy and a two-time BAFTA nominee (most recognized for his role as Alan Partridge’s sidekick Simon), charmingly portrays Charles as an enthusiastic fan yearning to reunite his beloved band, McGwyer-Mortimer. This duo, known for their folksy tunes and intertwined personal lives, disbanded long ago. However, Charles is determined to make his dream a reality, even going so far as to spend a significant portion of his savings to arrange a private concert featuring them – a performance meant solely for one audience member: himself.
In a charming manner, Basden portrays the character Herb McGwyer, initially gruff but cool as a top-notch musician. Strapped for cash to produce his next album, Herb agrees to Charles’ proposal and arrives at Wallis Island, plunging into the refreshing waters only to slip and dunk his phone. Unbeknownst to him, Charles financed this trip out of personal interest, not assistance, and Herb finds himself as a guest in Charles’ rustic yet picturesque home. A leaky faucet in his room (which Charles sees as functioning “a bit too efficiently”), puzzled island residents, and isolation from the mainland are minor inconveniences compared to Herb’s mounting problems.
Nell Mortimer, beautifully portrayed by Carey Mulligan, and her husband Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen) make an unexpected appearance on the island, leaving Herb in a state of surprise. Struggling with stagnation in their musical and romantic lives, Herb initially resists their presence, with Nell herself uncertain about potential emotional scars this reunion might reopen. Yet, there’s an undeniable spark between them, evident when they harmonize and sing captivating melodies with profound lyrics penned by Basden. It’s a joy to witness their musical synergy, and it’s breathtaking to notice the admiration in Charles’ gaze as he watches their performance – a feeling reminiscent of observing Baez and Dylan, who served as McGwyer-Mortimer’s real-life inspirations.
In other scenes, Sian Clifford playfully embodies a charming, witty, and hospitable local grocery store owner who could potentially be Charles’ love interest, while also providing assistance to strangers from out of town. As emotions intensify and conflict escalates, Griffiths and cinematographer G. Magni Ágústsson skillfully employ the island’s expansive vistas, dramatic cliffs, vast skies, and seas to create one of the most poetic visual experiences in cinema since Nora Fingscheidt’s “The Outrun.” Production designer Alexandra Toomey and costume designer Gabriela Yiaxis excel at creating details that reflect each character (the vintage items around Charles’ home and the geometric dress Mulligan wears are particularly striking), resulting in a production that feels genuine and lived-in.
In “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” Herb and Nell are often left on their own, which can make Michael seem less involved in the narrative at times. However, Basden and Key skillfully steer clear of overly saccharine emotions and instead, deliver a poignant conclusion to Herb and Nell’s tale that feels authentic and true-to-life. Art has a unique ability to transform two emotionally intuitive artists into lovers, but even the most beautiful and fulfilling art cannot mend a fractured heart completely. Each character’s personal journey in this story makes perfect sense within its context.
Brimming with delightful British wit and culminating in a heartwarming, musical finale that feels genuinely deserved, “The Ballad of Wallis Island” is an exceptional crowd-pleaser. It’s charming, cheerful, and overflowing with empathy for its peculiar characters. This Sundance gem doesn’t miss a beat.
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2025-01-27 22:46