The Ballad of Wallis Island is a disjointed but frequently moving composition

by

In the realm of independent films, the spring season often sees the debut of distinctive productions. These movies, typically catering to mature audiences, premiere in March and April as an alternative to the heavyweight blockbusters and children’s films that flood the market during this period. Titles like “Hello, My Name is Doris,” “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” “Table 19,” “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” and “Gloria Bell” are all part of this cinematic genre. It’s important to note that filmmakers aren’t intentionally crafting these films for a late March release; instead, it’s the distributors who decide on the release dates. The timing is more of a coincidence than a deliberate choice.

Despite what some might think, independent studios such as Bleecker Street, Focus Features, or IFC Films often schedule a particular type of movie for release in March or April. These films tend to be lighter in nature, appealing to the 60+ demographic. This pattern continues with the upcoming film “The Ballad of Wallis Island“. The feature is a collaborative effort between screenwriters and leading men Tom Basden and Tim Key, who have a history of working together on projects like the short film that served as the source material for “The Ballad’s“, titled “The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island“.

In this extended version of the production, Basden portrays Herb McGwyer, a former folk singer who used to be part of the famous duo McGwyer Mortimer alongside Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan). After pursuing a solo career, which led to the disbandment of their group, McGwyer is now struggling financially and agrees to perform on secluded Wallis Island for some much-needed money. However, it’s not the island’s inhabitants but longtime fan Charles (Key) who has hired him for a private performance at the cost of £500,000. Interestingly enough, Nell – whom McGwyer hasn’t spoken to in nine years – is also part of this exclusive show.

In a different wording, “The Ballad of Wallis Island” might have benefited from a touch of exaggerated realism. The portrayal of an isolated village and a crucial phone booth frequently brought to mind Bill Forsyth’s “Local Hero,” which skillfully balanced genuine human feelings with highly dramatic elements, such as the character Felix Happer’s (played by Burt Lancaster) fixation on the stars. By incorporating more fantastical elements, particularly in visual storytelling, some parts of “Wallis Island” could have been made slightly easier to understand.

In the end, Director James Griffiths chooses a realistic approach that resembles John Carney’s films, although it might just be my perception due to all the guitar strumming. The harsh traits of McGwyer and the clingy moments of Charles don’t fit well within these constraints. Griffiths and Cinematographer G. Magni Ágústsson opt for a grounded visual style that makes every awkward silence or harsh statement feel more impactful. However, Basden and Key’s script intends to maintain a consistent emotional resonance (which isn’t inherently bad), these characters need a fairy-tale-like aesthetic instead. Unfortunately, the whimsical script of Wallis Island and its naturalistic filmmaking don’t complement each other effectively.

Charles struggles significantly with certain issues. He’s intended to be a lovable character known for his affinity for puns, kindness, and humor. However, a realistic visual style tends to accentuate the unsettling undertones of his social blunders and controlling tendencies. At times, he appears as if he could transform into the antagonist in a mashup of films such as The Menu, Don’t Worry Darling, Blink Twice, or Opus. Unfortunately, this is a shame because Key delivers a solid performance. He truly shines in moments where the camera zeroes in on Charles during emotional musical performances, capturing his deep internal emotions through close-ups of his face. In these intimate scenes, Key excels at conveying the complex feelings hidden within his character’s eyes, such as pain, gratitude, and more.

Key’s friendly portrayal aligns with the casual ambiance he and Basden create in the script, making the overall feel of the movie a relaxed and laid-back one, similar to Wallis Island itself which sometimes borders on being a hangout film. The island’s easygoing atmosphere is one of its most valuable assets, as it presents scenes such as leisurely tennis matches or walks to the local convenience store that add to the film’s charm. These understated moments may not reach their full potential for coziness, but they offer a delightful experience. The script and Griffiths’ direction really shine during nighttime scenes. Lighting lanterns in the evening or singing tunes at the dinner table when it’s dark outside help the story to reach its most emotional heights.

Discussing tunes, the assortment from these imaginary artists is an appealing selection of songs. They aren’t incredibly catchy or quite reach the level of pop sensations created in movies like “That Thing You Do!”, but they still resonate with enough emotion to suit the intimate feel of “Wallis Island”. It’s also worth noting that Basden and Mulligan have beautiful voices, which make for a delightful listening experience. These small pleasures? Maybe. But getting the small things right is nothing to scoff at. Just like how a simple, well-prepared meal can still be delicious, these tunes are still enjoyable in their stripped-down form.

I would prefer if “The Ballad of Wallis Island” had more unique visual styles and aesthetics that could have truly brought out the creative potential of its characters. While the film’s melodies are generally pleasant, they unfortunately falter when the limitations of its realistic execution become evident. However, beautiful island landscapes and excellent vocal performances do somewhat make up for these drawbacks. Among the pleasures found in this movie is a touching emotional moment in the final scene of “Wallis Island,” which, despite my criticisms of the film as a whole, still managed to tug at my heartstrings. It serves as a representation of the transient yet poignant qualities often found in an indie movie from the spring season.

Read More

2025-04-28 17:14