The Endearing and Hilarious Ballad Of Wallis Island
Film
18 years ago James Griffiths directed the BAFTA nominated short The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, and now the trio return to Wallis Island once again. This time, in feature film style with The Ballad of Wallis Island. Brimming with endearing warmth amidst the rainy chill of Wallis Island, Griffiths' feature-length adaptation of his short is, quite simply, a cozy bundle of heart. Basden and Key dial up their chemistry along with their writing, crafting an incredibly entertaining and witty story, along with bringing in world-class talent Carey Mulligan who delivers an added level of emotion to the film. Overall, the expansion of the Wallis Island Cinematic Universe (WICU trademark pending) is a well crafted and gorgeous elegy on lost love and rediscovering joy.
Reminiscent of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Ballad of Wallis Island sees an eccentric millionaire pay an incredible sum of money to get their favorite celebrity to spend time at their home. But instead of Pedro Pascal paying for some one on one time with Nicholas Cage, Charles (Key), a quirky lottery winner, hires Herb McGwyer (Basden)—formerly of the world-famous folk band Mortimer McGwyer—to perform a private concert on Wallis Island where Charles resides. Unbeknownst to McGwyer, this show isn't for a crowd but only for Charles, and he's invited the other half of McGwyer's band, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), who Herb had some sort of romantic involvement with before pursuing a solo career and destroying their relationship/friendship.
While the premise may seem like it’s headed for familiar territory, Basden and Key cleverly sidestep the obvious and steer the story into more unexpected, emotionally rich terrain. Instead of veering into a classic romantic redemption story, The Ballad of Wallis Island opts for a deeper and more complex message. This isn't some version of The Parent Trap where Charles masterminds the rekindling of his favorite band's romance, but more of a reflection on how we move on from lost love. Basden and Key have such terrific chemistry that even though the film carries a melancholic plot, their delivery and interactions are hilarious. Key's incessant punning is fantastic and further illustrates Charles as the eccentric lottery winner that just wants to jam with his favorite band and remember better days.
The sharp writing keeps The Ballad of Wallis Island moving at a brisk pace, while hitting all of the pleasure points for heart, humor, and entertainment value as the suspense surrounding Charles' history and motivation is gripping. While it does lose itself a bit in the second act, meandering a little too much into the eccentricities of Wallis Island and Charles, it never strays too far off the dirt road. And when the emotional gut punch of the third act lands, it’s not only earned—it’s a refreshing break from rom-com predictability.
For every flaw The Ballad of Wallis Island has, it offers ten moments of genuine heart to make up for it. Charles, Herb, and Nell form a terrific trifecta of heartwarming comedy that find a way to make you laugh through steady tears. There are some fantastic visual gags on the absurdity of the music industry and celebrity, but ultimately this film is like a warm hug in the cold of winter. Wholly welcome, thoroughly enjoyed, and missed as soon as it ends.
Froth
Look, there's a lot of negativity in the world right now. Most of it is deservedly so, but still, it can all-consuming. So when you can sit back and enjoy a tall glass of this is not only a really good movie but also a really feel good movie you gotta enjoy it, you know? Thus we have to pair this nice glass of film with a nice glass of positivity, aka Brighten Up from Reuben's Brews! This IPA is juicy and as it's name would suggest, incredibly bright, bringing forward a visually stunning bright yellow. Grapefruit is the most dominant flavor giving it a nice light, juicy, bitterness but the back-up singers of passionfruit, citrus, and sweet malt effortlessly harmonize together for a wonderful chorus. And by chorus I mean taste, and I will not apologize for the music shtick I'm doing here.
Anyway, Reuben's Brews just keeps putting out hits like nobody's business and Brighten Up is just another chart topper like I've come to expect.
