The Ballad of Wallis Island is a pure delight – charming, funny, romantic, and wholesome, with some of the most unique sense of humor you’ll see in a long time. There is little exposition, so the start of the film is a bit dreary, but as the characters start to open up, the island turns from a lonely, odd place to a lovably quirky setting. Carey Mulligan is excellent (and has crackling chemistry with Tom Basden) but Zach Galifianakis doppleganger Tim Key really steals the show here, with his amazing sense of comic timing and delivery that is beautifully balanced by his ability to emote effortlessly and wordlessly when he needs to.
Based on a short from almost 20 years ago by Key and Basden, this feature film has been almost two decades in the making and is all the better for it. Basden plays a self-centered past-his-prime folk musician who is invited to play a private show on an island by Key’s odd and reclusive millionaire superfan. Like the original short, this film retains its independent spirit and offbeat comedy that feels like it was written and made by friends – which incidentally, it is, even being directed by Key and Basden’s friend James Griffiths.
While Basden is the protagonist and audience surrogate, it’s really Key who acts as the emotional heartbeat of the story. His puns and memorable malapropisms feel so specific as a stark contrast to the glum and glowering Basden, but his arc is the one that drives home the themes of moving on and letting go as much as it is about letting someone in.
The music is genuinely fantastic (like Charles, I’m a big fan of McGwyer Mortimer) and there are some of the year’s best in-movie live songs that are performed by Basden and Mulligan, but its sincerity is what will win you over, and you’ll be as invested in the characters as much as you’ll want to celebrate Seaman’s Day. This is really heartwarming little movie that deserves more buzz, and a ballad that you’ll want to play over and over again.
Now streaming on Peacock.
