Ballad of Wallis Island, directed by James Griffiths with writing credits to Tom Basden and Tim Key, surprised me with how heartfelt it was. Most importantly, the mature approach in learning to appreciate the past, but ultimately moving forward, created a genuinely moving experience.
This story started back in 2007 from a short, The One and Only Herb McGwyer, that had the same team involved. Ballad of Wallis Island revolves around Charles (Tim Key), a two-time lottery winner aiming to reunite his former bandmates (and lovers), Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), for a private gig.
One of the concerns I had heading into Ballad of Wallis Island was that it was going to have a half-baked-two-artist romance where the two are clearly in love, but just won’t say it. It became even more complicated and cliché when Nell arrived at Wallis Island with her husband, Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen).
Instead, Griffiths chose to be honest and mature in our three central characters. In a more realist approach, all characters learn that, yes, the past has its purpose and can be appreciated. But what is most important is that element of moving forward, which can still be a way of honouring that past. Two really lovely sequences showcased these ideas, especially one that is brought full circle towards the end.
The first sequence is when Charles, Herb, and Nell have dinner and later perform ‘Give Your Love.’ In that moment, it’s the great facial expression from Tim Key where we see Charles being brought back in time with his wife who passed away. Being with his old band was a way of honoring her. And it’s a powerful moment to see the power music has on Charles.
This is brought back full circle at the end when Herb and Nell keep pushing Charles to make a move on another islander, Amanda (Sian Clifford). At the end, when Charles goes back to his home, he puts on ‘Give Your Love’ and we see Amanda waiting at the backdoor to play tennis. Just maybe, this song that reminds him of his late wife, also reminds him to keep on living.
Herb and Nell go through a similar journey. When they are rehearsing, Herb comes out and says he still loves Nell. She replies, “I missed our music.” After she leaves the island and I could see why that would feel as if it were unresolved.
However, it’s that realist choice from Griffiths again. It is brutal from Nell and hits Herb like a ton of rocks, but he needed to hear the rejection to realise that the music they created is tangible, and while the chance at romance is gone, they have something to forever remind them of their affection for each other.
Basden and Mulligan were fantastic vocalists. The highlights are ‘Give Your Love’ and ‘Raspberry Fair.’ They have great banter with each other, offering wonderful layered performances. Seeing them both being lost souls and finding their identity and love for their music again is powerful.
I was very impressed with Tim Key as Charles. He brought so much heart to the role that I just wanted to give him a hug. The slight changes in his face and the sparks in his eyes allowed us to see his vulnerability, nostalgia, and love for his friends.
With The Ballad of Wallis Island, you will find one of the year’s most heartfelt films about the beauty of the past, but also the maturity to acknowledge the need to move on.
Review Courtesy of Matthew Allan
Feature Image Credit to Focus Features via IMDb