Films & Events

A whimsical and heartfelt comedy, The Ballad of Wallis Island charmed audiences at its Sundance Film Festival premiere, earning praise for its witty script and standout performances. Directed by James Griffiths, the film reunites longtime collaborators Tim Key and Tom Basden, who co-wrote the screenplay, alongside Carey Mulligan in a delightfully unexpected role.

The story follows Charles (Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of reuniting his favorite band, McGwyer Mortimer. When the estranged musicians (Basden & Mulligan) accept his invitation for a private performance, long-buried tensions resurface, turning Charles’ dream gig into a hilariously unpredictable night.

With a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have hailed the film as a “sublime, adorable comedy” (RogerEbert.com) and “a beautifully offbeat tribute to music, nostalgia, and second chances” (Variety). Originally inspired by the BAFTA-nominated short The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, this full-length adaptation is a must-see for fans of sharp British humor and deeply human storytelling.

2025. 99 min.

Rated PG-13 for some language and smoking.