The Ballad of Wallis Island

This film had great % ratings so went along but was very disappointed. Yes it was sweetly funny and endearing in places but the plot and characters lacked any sort of complexity (except Tim Key). It felt a bit like those brit films about old folk in India or somewhere. And the Michael character - comes in, goes off somewhere, comes back at the end, goes off again - bizarre. Went to a pub after and chatting to the barman said I'd just been to the cinema, but I couldn't remember the title, and it was about some old pop guy who goes to an island, but I couldn't be bothered attempting to explain any more, it seemed a bit pointless, like the film.

A movie with a real heart and a clever resolution. Turned the tables on the usual trope of the millionaire soulless patron. My only minor quibble was the strength of the songs - nothing that really hooked into you which would have made some of the scenes more impactful.

Loved it! A very British style humour but beautifully shot and well acted with some gentle laughs and heart tugging moments of loss thrown in. A really great little film that deserves wider recognition.

A strangely beautiful and poignant story with solid character developments, plenty of funny moments. If you’re a fan of Tim Key and his rather unique but massively underrated acting and writing skills, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this. He really suited the role, and had me at times mesmerised with his superb ability to deliver quick fire lines or endearing facial expressions. The film is definitely not perfect and can be slightly slow at times, but absolutely does its job of delivering a unique, funny movie which hits you with a surprising amount of sadness and emotion. Highly recommended!

One of those films that hangs back and lets the actors do their work. The cinematography is outstanding but it never seeks to do anything but frame the acting and the wonderful script. One that will stay with me for a long time and remind me that the day to day messiness of living as a human being is chaotic and joyful and if I could give all the awards to this film I would.

I absolutely loved it. At first I thought maybe it might turn a bit creepy in a ‘Misery’ sense but you saw Key’s character as a kind innocent quite quickly after the initial first contact. There are some wonderful laugh out loud moments and I enjoyed the music. I felt the characters had depth to them and the fairly simple narrative was played out beautifully.

Finally a good movie. Like the way they used to make art films. Unapologetically sweet and sad. Thanks.

Funny and full of music in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!! Rated PG-13 for Some Language and Smoking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've loved Key and Basden for years, but even if you you'd never seen them before, you will love this film. It's funny and manages to retain the humour during the emotional peaks.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is one of those indie gems that pops up every so often that's so subtly heartfelt and funny that you barely notice how engaged you’re with it until it lingers in your memory long after the film ends.  Random Mexican's Movie Reviews Full Review https://flicksfan.blogspot.com/2025/06/movie-review-ballad-of-wallis-island.html