Once I first heard about The Ballad of Wallis Island, I assumed it was going to be an ungainly comedy about two former bandmates getting again collectively after being employed to play a reunion present for an eccentric lottery winner. And whereas there are sparks of romance on this 2025 film that’s now streaming with a Peacock subscription, it’s not what I anticipated it to be. In reality, this film wasn’t what I anticipated in any respect.
With a 96 % Recent rating on Rotten Tomatoes (and a 93 % Popcornmeter viewers score), The Ballad of Wallis Island is a hilarious, trustworthy, and considerate film. By mixing comedy, drama, awkwardness, and a lot feeling, it creates an sudden and distinctive cinematic expertise that isn’t afraid to deal with some heavy matters. Let me clarify…
Earlier than I pressed play on The Ballad of Wallis Island, I assumed this was going to be a rom-com about former bandmates and lovers discovering some form of spark once more after being in the identical place for the primary time in years. Primarily based on the trailer and a quick synopsis on Peacock, it appeared like Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) could be on the middle of a romance involving once-close lovers who’ve since gone their separate methods.
There’s a blossoming romance teased all through the film, although it doesn’t contain both member of the previous folks duo McGwyer Mortimer. And even then, it’s not like a type of all-time nice romantic comedies like Notting Hill or When Harry Met Sally. As a substitute, it’s one thing richer, extra significant, and painfully charming.
I Was Not Anticipating A Story About Grief And Redemption
What I wasn’t anticipating was a narrative about grief and redemption, particularly one which hits as onerous as The Ballad of Wallis Island. Charles Heath (Tim Key, who additionally co-wrote the film), the eccentric lottery winner and McGwyer Mortimer superfan who paid two suitcases loaded with cash to get the duo to reconnect, goes by means of an immense private tragedy all through the film, and the way in which his grief is explored is each totally heartbreaking and extremely empowering.
On the similar time, there’s this story of Herb McGwyer going by means of a little bit of an identification disaster along with his life and profession as he nonetheless makes an attempt to return to phrases with each the breakup of his band and a relationship that meant a lot to him. I received’t give both story away solely, however each stick the touchdown.
The Ballad Of Wallis Island Is Additionally This Great Story Of Rebirth And New Beginnings
Once more, with out giving an excessive amount of away for individuals who haven’t watched it but, The Ballad of Wallis Island can be this glorious story of rebirth and new beginnings, in additional methods than one. As talked about earlier, Herb McGwyer goes by means of a inventive and private disaster all through the film, and by the point he wraps up his keep on the island, he’s in a position to transfer on and do one thing impactful along with his voice as soon as extra.
The identical goes for Charles Heath, who is basically the core of this touching and uplifting dramatic comedy. His journey by means of grief leads him to a brand new starting as he can lastly let go of the previous and transfer on along with his life. It’s emotional and it’s stunning.
Although I’m unsure if I’d name The Ballad of Wallis Island the most effective music film of all time, this charming and courageous comedy about love, loss, and new beginnings was such a pleasant expertise.