The Ballad of Wallis Island - A Movie Review

Let’s find something to sing about.

The Ballad of Wallis Island arrived in theaters in 2025. A musician arrives at a remote island at the request of an eccentric lottery winner. This location is not ideal for his style, but he eventually comes to terms with the island.

You never know what experiences will change you. The Ballad of Wallis Island is beyond the definition of a simple film. I have noticed that more music-related films are being made. Music tells a story and builds connections, while it also expands our horizons.

Tom Basden, Tim Key, and Carey Mulligan star together as three independent fellows who find a connection. Akemnji Ndifornyen stars as Michael. It’s always the quiet characters who have a lot to say. All the interactions feel natural.

Herb (Basden) may appear to be a cynical musician who is only in it for the money, but he has more sense than that. The lesson he learns is the most gratifying moment of the film.

Carey Mulligan is a talented actress and brings depth to her role as Nell. Mulligan also produced the film. As a musician herself, we immediately see the contrast between Nell and Herb’s musical standards.

However, the best character award goes to Charles (Key), the quirky hotel owner. He doesn’t know how to keep out of others because of his solitude on the island. Have you ever been told that opposites match? Charles and Herb’s friendship is the most important connection in the story. I also learned that Key and Basden have done several films together.

This film is based on a short film directed by James Griffiths. He resonated with the themes and characters. Trust is Griffith's main rule of thumb as a director, and he collaborated openly with everyone involved in the story.

Griffiths shot the film in 18 days. According to Griffiths, filming took a lot of planning and rehearsal time so they could remain on schedule. What may look like an island is actually the Welsh countryside. The setting takes place close to Griffith’s mother’s house, who grew up on the island. The location plays an important role in the story. The adventure is worth it.

Griffiths, who is Welsh himself, was drawn to the countryside’s melancholic tone and featured it in the story. Not without a touch of comedy that is. You can always tell when someone is a rookie visitor. Not even five minutes of being on the island, and Herb falls into the sea and isn’t fond of the small living quarters.

It wasn’t until two years ago that I started coming around to music more. I fell in love with the soundtrack. It’s a beautiful score throughout. The first shot of the film indicates that it’s a music-based story. Basden wrote 25 original folk songs for the film. Music tells a story and builds connections.

This is a film about friendship. We come together for a reason. With passions, you may end up growing fans. It’s an amazing feeling of recognition. Beyond your passions, don’t forget about the people in your life. In fact, having connections is what keeps passions alive.

What really resonated with me was the ending. A character’s rejection of a setting until making the best of it is the definition of change, growth, and tolerance.

For all you music lovers or anyone who needs a new film to watch, The Ballad of Wallis Island is the movie for you. It’s one of those rare movies that we don’t see enough of. It’s a powerful story.