Eccentric lottery winner Charles lives alone on a remote island but dreams of hiring his favourite musician, Herb McGwyer, to play an exclusive, private gig. Unbeknownst to Herb, Charles has also hired Herb’s ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell, with her new husband in town, to perform the old favourites. As tempers flare and old tensions resurface, the stormy weather traps them all on the island and Charles desperately looks for a way to salvage his dream gig.
The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie Overview
Title | The Ballad of Wallis Island |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2025-03-28 |
Runtime | 1 hours and 40 minutes |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Music |
Original Language | En |
Spoken Language | English |
Country | United Kingdom |
Production Co. | Baby Cow Productions, Moxie Pictures, Focus Features, BBC Studios |
The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Tom Basden | Herb McGwyer |
Tim Key | Charles Heath |
Carey Mulligan | Nell Mortimer |
Sian Clifford | Amanda |
Akemnji Ndifornyen | Michael |
Steve Marsh | Peter |
Luka Downie | Marcus |
Kerrie Thomason | Marie |
Arron Long | Tour guide (uncredited) |
The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie Storyline
On the quaint, isolated Wallis Island, eccentric lottery winner Charles Heath orchestrates an elaborate scheme to reignite his passion for music and recapture a fleeting moment of joy. His plan centers around reuniting the fractured band of his favorite musician, Herb McGwyer, for an exclusive private performance. Unbeknownst to Herb, Charles also extends an invitation to Nell Mortimer, Herb’s former bandmate and ex-girlfriend, bringing her and her new husband, Michael, into the island’s confined space. As Herb arrives, expecting a straightforward gig, he is blindsided by Nell’s presence, instantly stirring up old romantic tensions and professional rivalries that led to the band’s demise years ago. The island’s idyllic facade begins to crumble as rehearsals devolve into heated arguments and bitter recriminations, fueled by unresolved feelings and Charles’ increasingly desperate attempts to salvage his dream gig. Adding to the chaos, a brewing storm traps everyone on Wallis Island, mirroring the emotional tempest raging within the group. Amanda, Charles’ increasingly exasperated assistant, tries to mediate the escalating drama, but as the storm intensifies, Charles must confront the reality that his nostalgic fantasy may destroy the very thing he hoped to revive, forcing Herb and Nell to finally address their past and decide if there is any future, musical or otherwise, for them.
The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie Details
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” is a quirky comedy-drama set on a remote, windswept island off the coast of Britain, where eccentric lottery winner Charles Heath, played by Tim Key, lives a solitary life fueled by a grand, perhaps delusional, dream. Charles intends to lure his favorite musician, the reclusive Herb McGwyer portrayed by Tom Basden, out of obscurity for an exclusive private performance. To spice things up, Charles also hires Herb’s former bandmate and ex-girlfriend, the talented Nell Mortimer embodied by Carey Mulligan, to perform alongside him, a decision fraught with potential for awkwardness and conflict. Adding another layer to the already complex situation is Nell’s unassuming husband, Michael, played by Akemnji Ndifornyen, who accompanies her, completely unaware of the tangled history that awaits. As old wounds are reopened and simmering tensions begin to boil over, a fierce storm descends upon Wallis Island, trapping the ensemble together and threatening to derail Charles’s meticulously planned event. Amanda, played by Sian Clifford, a local islander and acquaintance of Charles, witnesses the unraveling spectacle, adding her own dry wit and perspective to the chaotic proceedings. The film explores themes of artistic ambition, the pain of past relationships, and the absurd lengths people will go to in pursuit of their dreams, all set against the backdrop of a charmingly isolated community and a soundtrack of melancholic melodies.
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The Ballad of Wallis Island Movie FAQs
What is the movie “The Ballad of Wallis Island” about?
It’s about an eccentric lottery winner named Charles who hires his favorite musician for a private gig, unknowingly bringing together the musician’s ex-bandmate and ex-girlfriend, leading to old tensions resurfacing on a remote island.
What genres does “The Ballad of Wallis Island” fall into?
The movie is a mix of Comedy, Drama, and Music.
Who are the main actors in “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
The main cast includes Tom Basden, Tim Key, and Carey Mulligan.
When was “The Ballad of Wallis Island” released?
The movie was released on March 28, 2025.
What is the runtime of “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
The movie has a runtime of 100 minutes.
Where was “The Ballad of Wallis Island” produced?
The movie was produced in the United Kingdom.
Who directed “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
James Griffiths directed the movie.
Who wrote the screenplay for “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
Tom Basden and Tim Key wrote the screenplay.
What is the tagline for “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
The tagline is “He’s getting the band back together.”
What are some of the production companies involved in “The Ballad of Wallis Island”?
Some of the production companies include Baby Cow Productions, Moxie Pictures, Focus Features, and BBC Studios.