The Ballad of Wallis Island

Event information

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a 2025 British comedy-drama film directed by James Griffiths, produced by Rupert Majendie, and written by Tim Key and Tom Basden. It is based on their 2007 short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.

Basden and Carey Mulligan star as a folk duo who reunite to perform for a wealthy fan (Tim Key) on a remote Welsh island.

The story follows Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favourite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is a charming gem of British comedy filmmaking, complimented perfectly by original folk songs by Tom Basden. It works more in the style of Bill Forsyth’s “Local Hero” as a genial, understated, warm hearted fish-out-of-water story

Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com gave the film three out of four stars and wrote, "The director James Griffith's The Ballad of Wallis Island is a sublime, adorable comedy whose roots can be traced to a short Griffith made eighteen years ago."