‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ Review
Stars: Tim Key, Tom Basden, Carey Mulligan | Written by Tim Key, Tom Basden | Directed by James Griffiths
For many, getting a favourite musician to play a private gig is a dream scenario. But as fan culture often has toxic results, it is understandable that this scenario could deliver an unsettling thriller akin to Misery or Blink Twice. The Ballad of Wallis Island instead takes a kinder approach, which leaves a massively sweet surprise for viewers.
Based on the 2007 short film, The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, the story takes place on the remote Wallis Island where eccentric lottery winner Charles Heath (Tim Key) lives alone. He has hired his favourite musician, Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden), to play an exclusive private gig. Herb intends to grin and bear it to fund his next solo album, but is surprised upon discovering that he will not be playing alone, as Charles also hired Herb’s ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan).
Working off a screenplay by stars Basden and Key, director James Griffiths (Cuban Fury, TV’s Stumptown) offers a gentle handling of this story. While the film admittedly takes expected routes for its story of a jaded singer rediscovering his passion for music, the execution gracefully avoids the worst pitfalls. In the wrong hands, the emotional moments could have come across as sickeningly sweet, but here, they are genuinely affecting.
Central to the tale is Herb McGwyer, once half of a folk duo that is now clearly unhappy with his career. A man trying to convince himself about the merits of his more vacuous output, Basden effectively depicts this musician who is faced with a past when he truly felt fulfilled. The biggest reminder is his former partner, who has moved on to other things while also rediscovering her love for music. Mulligan is as astounding as ever, making Nell Mortimer a fully rounded figure, both excited and hesitant about revisiting the past.
If there is one element which ensures this film works, it is Tim Key. Following on from his memorable role in Mickey 17, the Taskmaster series one contestant gives an exemplary portrayal that speaks volumes. While Charles is the source of many humorous moments, particularly as he seems to not understand personal space, the character is also a tremendous source of vulnerability. Through facial expressions, Key captures the aching heart of this widower in ways far better than a monologue could have. If there is any justice, this would be the start to Key getting bigger and better roles in films.
At its heart, this is a tale that recognises feeling nostalgic for the past while understanding that it cannot be recaptured. One may be willing to move backwards to a more pleasant time, yet that does not mean everybody else has remained stationary during that time. Sometimes, all that can be done is to let go of the past and move towards a brand-new future. It all makes up to a genuinely humorous and heartfelt tale with The Ballad of Wallis Island.
**** 4/5
The Ballad of Wallis Island is still on limited release in UK cinemas now.
