The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie (2025)
What Is “The Ballad of Wallis Island” About?
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a funny and heartwarming movie from 2025. It’s about a guy named Charles who wins the lottery and lives alone on a faraway island. He loves a folk music duo called McGwyer Mortimer so much that he invites them to play a special concert just for him! The duo is made up of Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer, who used to be a couple but haven’t talked in years. When they get to the island, a big storm traps them there, and old feelings and arguments pop up. Charles tries super hard to make his dream concert happen, and it’s a wild, silly adventure full of music and surprises!
Cast of The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie
The actors in this movie are awesome! Here’s who plays the main characters:
| Actor Name | Character Name | What They Do in the Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Key | Charles Heath | A goofy guy who loves music and plans the show. |
| Tom Basden | Herb McGwyer | A singer who’s grumpy but loves his old songs. |
| Carey Mulligan | Nell Mortimer | Herb’s old partner who’s calm and talented. |
- Tim Key: He’s super funny as Charles, the guy who makes everything happen.
- Tom Basden: He plays Herb, who’s not sure about singing again but does it anyway.
- Carey Mulligan: She’s Nell, the cool singer who helps make the music magical.
Cool Fact! Tim and Tom also wrote the movie together—talk about teamwork!
Songs
The music in The Ballad of Wallis Island is a big deal! Tom Basden wrote the songs, and they sound like old folk tunes you’d hear around a campfire. Here’s what’s special about them:
- The songs are soft and sweet, like a hug from a friend.
- Herb and Nell sing together, and their voices mix perfectly.
- The music makes you feel happy, sad, and excited all at once!
Did you know? The songs are so good, some fans want them on an album to listen to forever!
Behind the Scenes: Making of The Ballad of Wallis Island
Making this movie was a blast! Here’s how it came to life:
- Director: James Griffiths led the team. He’s done TV shows, but this is his big movie moment!
- Where It Was Filmed: They shot it in Wales, a place with pretty hills and beaches.
- Idea: It started as a short film in 2007 called The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island. They made it bigger and better!
- Teamwork: The actors helped write it, and everyone worked together to make it funny and sweet.
Fun Fact! The house Charles lives in is real and super old—it’s like stepping back in time!
Facts About The Ballad of Wallis Island
Check out these neat facts about the movie:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 25, 2025 (at Sundance) |
| Where It’s Set | A made-up island called Wallis |
| Movie Type | Comedy with music |
| Big Premiere | Sundance Film Festival |
- It came out in theaters in the U.S. on March 28, 2025.
- The story happens in a place with no phones or internet—wild, right?
- It’s rated PG-13, so it’s best for older kids with a grown-up.
Lessons from The Ballad of Wallis Island
This movie teaches some cool stuff:
- Friends Matter: Charles, Herb, and Nell learn they’re better together than alone.
- Let Go of the Past: Herb and Nell figure out it’s okay to move on from old fights.
- Chase Your Dreams: Charles shows that trying hard can make big things happen!
It’s like a reminder to be kind and keep dreaming, no matter what!
How Does The Ballad of Wallis Island Compare to Other Movies?
Let’s see how it matches up with other films!
| Movie | The Ballad of Wallis Island | Once (2007) | Sing Street (2016) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Funny with music | Sweet with music | Fun with music |
| Where It’s Set | An island | Ireland | Ireland |
| Main Idea | Old friends reunite | New friends make music | Kids start a band |
| Songs? | Yes, folk songs | Yes, love songs | Yes, rock songs |
- Once: Both have soft music, but Wallis is sillier.
- Sing Street: Both are about music dreams, but Wallis has grown-ups instead of kids.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is special because it’s funny and about fixing old friendships!
IMDb Review
On IMDb, The Ballad of Wallis Island has a rating of 7.7 out of 10—pretty awesome! Here’s what people say:
- Fans love the “funny and sweet” story.
- They say the music is “so good it makes you smile.”
- Some think it’s slow at first, but it gets exciting fast!
Is It Family-Friendly?: It’s mostly okay for kids, but there’s some grown-up talk and smoking. Watch with a parent if you’re young!
Conclusion
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a super fun movie about music, friends, and chasing dreams. With funny Tim Key, grumpy Tom Basden, and cool Carey Mulligan, it’s a wild ride on a stormy island. The songs are catchy, the story is sweet, and it teaches you to stick with your pals. Compared to movies like Once and Sing Street, it’s got its own goofy charm. So, grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy this musical adventure—it’s a toe-tapping good time!