SXSW Review: The Ballad of Wallis Island
It’s the vast number of World Premieres that help bring the heat to SXSW each spring, but some of the finest films to screen happen to be brought here from the cold, wintry Sundance slate in their Festival Favorites category. Last year gave us the Oscar-Nominated Sing Sing and critical darling I Saw the TV Glow, while this year gives us another Oscar hopeful with James Griffiths’ crowd-pleasing hit, The Ballad of Wallis Island.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of a remote island, the film follows a lonely local man named Charles (played by Tim Key) dreams of reuniting his favorite folk musicians, Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), who haven’t played together in years. He lures them to the island with hefty paydays courtesy of Charles’ lucky lottery win, where he hopes to watch them perform a private show. Yet, Herb and Nell struggle to put the past behind them and collaborate once more for their favorite fan.
The Ballad of Wallis Island plays to perfection with its infectious characters and endearing story. Co-written by leading stars Tim Key and Tom Basden, the film’s creators step firmly into their characters’ shoes and the result is something so natural and compelling. Key delivers a hearty turn as the eccentric loner and mega-fan who orchestrates this entire messy reunion. He’s relentless with an endless supply of humorous dialogue, goofy puns, and deep musical references. On the other hand, Basden shines as the film’s original songwriter and in his role as an unfulfilled musician unable to recapture the same glory he had with his old musical partner. Co-star and three-time Academy Award Nominee, Carey Mulligan, needs no introduction, but these unfamiliar faces still manage to go toe-to-toe with her onscreen brilliance.
In addition to a superb cast, Wallis Island blends an exceptional story with a remarkable original soundtrack, both of which have Tom Basden’s fingerprints all over them. The film revolves around a central theme of lost love and the lengths of which we’ll go to recapture it. Wallis Island tackles these ideas with supreme tenderness, wonderfully illustrating music’s natural ability to connect people through time and space. There’s also a genuine sadness to the core of the story that’s perfectly complemented by its folk-filled soundtrack. The songs are melodic and beautiful, and the characters are authentic and complex. They work together in tandem to create something so sweet, charming, and accessible to audiences of all types.
James Griffiths brings to life a lovely story of second chances that’s painted on a beautiful seaside canvas. Wallis Island is both moving and engrossing, and don’t be surprised if the film finds itself in Oscar contention for Best Original Song, or perhaps even more. It’s the crowd-pleaser of the year and one everyone deserves to enjoy.
Grade: 4.5 stars out of 5
