The Ballad Of Wallis Island: British Dramedy Is Joyous, Picturesque & Unique

The Ballad Of Wallis Island is perfect viewing for audiences who enjoy watching small easy-viewing British dramedies set to beautiful music and picturesque landscapes.

Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan star as ex folk duo (Herb & Nell respectively) who are reunited after experiencing a breakup 9 years earlier. An eccentric millionaire widowed superfan named Charles, who is hilariously portrayed by Tim Key, seems to have more money than sense. He pays them both an obscene amount of money to perform a private show for him on the remote Welsh Island which he resides on called Wallis Island.

But will old feelings rekindle between this estranged couple when they reunite? Are the events in their past consequently no longer of any importance or relevance that should realistically affect their ability to perform together for a one-night show? Will the show go on?

There’s something quite unique about this film. The staggering beauty of the island and the enchanting vocals in the melodies fuse to offer audiences a mesmerising and memorable 90-minute feature that may spiritually transport them to this fictional island.

The small cast of characters are joyous to watch, and the comedic elements of the narrative ensure that the laughter is constant and infectious. Tim Key who plays the quasi-oddball Charles is a standout, as audiences anticipate his stupendously amusing and over the top segments of dialogue.

Tom Basden who co-wrote the screenplay with Tim Key is a natural as Herb and his pairing with Carey Mulligan as Nell is delightful. In a scene when he tells Nell, ‘I know you miss this – us’ audiences may be swayed in believing that perhaps their previous feelings will be revived. But how does she react when he impulsively admits he still loves her?

This nostalgic journey through music and a revisited long lost personal bond asks whether a relationship from the past may be restored. Can unresolved feelings create such tension and drama in a resurrected relationship that healing and resolution is impossible?

Amongst the stress filled moments in these scenes the tension is alleviated as Charles attempts to spark a relationship with the local shopkeeper, which provides a welcoming and humorous distraction for audiences who are seeking a potentially sugar coated and happy ever after ending.

The Ballad Of Wallis Island is a film that should do well in art house cinemas. Older audiences who enjoy placid British films with high production values should be charmed by this latest cinematic offering.

The Ballad Of Wallis Island

***1/2

In Cinemas August 28