The Ballad of Wallis Island: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Music
The British film industry is known for its resilience and resourcefulness, and few stories exemplify this more than that of The Ballad of Wallis Island. This charming film, based on a short made in 2007, has finally made it to the big screen after 18 years in development. The brainchild of writer-performers Tom Basden and Tim Key, and directed by James Griffiths, The Ballad of Wallis Island tells the story of Charles Heath, an eccentric millionaire who lives on a remote island and books his favourite musician, Herb McGwyer, to play a one-off gig.
According to an interview with The Times, Key and Basden’s original short film, titled The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, was made on a shoestring budget of £20,000 and was even nominated for a Bafta for best short film. However, it wasn’t until years later, with the help of Carey Mulligan, a three-time Oscar nominee, that the project came to fruition. Mulligan plays Nell Mortimer, Herb’s musical partner from the past, who is booked by Charles in the hope that the pair might rekindle their romance.
"It’s very flattering to be anointed in that way," Key says of the film’s endorsement by Richard Curtis, the king of romantic comedies. "It felt like quite an important moment. And quite mad." Basden adds that Curtis "hasn’t been involved at any point with the film. He’s just seen it and thinks it’s wonderful. It’s a lovely thing."
The film has been described as a deeply charming story of love, loss, loneliness, trying to recapture past glories, and the wisdom of letting go. Mulligan, who was pregnant with her third child at the time of filming, says she wanted to be part of something that would give people joy. "I am aware that I’ve done lots of quite sad films," she says. "I thought, ‘Oh, I’ll be in something lovely, I’m not going to make anyone cry.’"
The story follows Herb and Nell as they navigate their complicated past and try to find their way back to each other. Along the way, they are joined by a cast of colourful characters, including Charles, who is played by Key, and Amanda, a local shop owner played by Sian Clifford. The film features a mix of soft ballads and terrible jokes, windblown beaches, and lashings of rain.
Basden and Key met through Footlights at Cambridge and have been collaborating ever since. They have worked on various projects, including their double act, Freeze!, and their BBC show Cowards. The idea for The Ballad of Wallis Island was born out of a gig they played on a rich patron’s estate, where they were given golf buggies to drive around and did a bit of comedy.
The film’s journey to the big screen was not without its challenges. The trio would get together over curry and talk about making it into a full film one day. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that they finally sat down to write the feature. "It felt like the film suddenly became real in our heads," Basden says. "Suddenly there’s history, a richness of relationships to play with."
Mulligan was the first choice to play Nell, and she immediately agreed to join the project. "Marcus told me I needed to do the film before I even read the script because he was such a big fan," she says. The film’s director, Griffiths, spent three months walking the Welsh coastal path to find a suitably remote spot to serve as Wallis Island.
The film was shot in August 2023, in 18 days, on a relatively low budget. Griffiths says that if he had known Richard Curtis was going to watch it, he might have asked for another ten days and a ton more money. Despite the challenges, the film has been garnering praise, with Curtis hailing it as "one of the greatest British movies of all time".
As for the cast, they are all set to move on to new projects. Mulligan will be filming the second series of the Netflix comedy Beef, while Basden’s third series of Here We Go is coming to BBC1 soon. Key will star in a new American spin-off of The Office and publish a book of poems about his time in Hollywood.
In conclusion, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a heartwarming film that is sure to delight audiences. With its charming story, beautiful scenery, and talented cast, it’s a must-see for anyone looking for a feel-good movie experience. As The Times reports, the film is set to hit cinemas on May 30, so mark your calendars and get ready to be charmed by this British gem.
The film’s themes of love, loss, and music are timeless, and its message about staying true to one’s vision is inspiring. With its talented cast and crew, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
For those who have enjoyed watching Basden and Key’s double act, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a treat. The pair’s patter hits the big screen with ease, and their chemistry is undeniable. As Key says, "The first 15 minutes is all just me and Tom and it’s a real throwback to when we were doing sketches and living together and being friends."
Overall, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a film that is not to be missed. With its beautiful scenery, charming story, and talented cast, it’s a must-see for anyone looking for a feel-good movie experience. So why not head to the cinema on May 30 and experience it for yourself?
The film is a true British gem, and its story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. As Mulligan says, "You’ve got to speed that up a little bit." With The Ballad of Wallis Island, Basden, Key, and Griffiths have proven that with hard work and determination, even the most ambitious projects can come to life.
In the words of The Times, "The Ballad of Wallis Island is a charming film that will delight audiences." So why not join the thousands of people who are already eagerly anticipating the film’s release? Get your tickets now and experience the magic of The Ballad of Wallis Island for yourself.
