**An Amusingly Awkward Comedy: *The Ballad of Wallis Island***
Have you ever experienced a day so dreadful that it felt like fate was against you? If that resonates, you’ll relate to the troubles of the disgruntled main character in *The Ballad of Wallis Island.* Penned by and featuring Tom Basden and Tim Key, this delightful comedy delves into the quirky friendship between a folk rock artist and an idiosyncratic millionaire. But don’t anticipate a glamorous narrative—both individuals are charmingly awkward, and their lives are hardly enviable.
### A Private Performance Turns Hilariously Awry
The narrative begins with Herb McGwyer (Basden), a former member of the 2010s folk rock ensemble McGwyer Mortimer, reaching a secluded island for what appears to be a straightforward gig: a private concert for an outrageous amount of cash. Yet, his hopes are soon shattered. The island is in shambles, lacking even a proper docking area, and his audience is merely a single person—Charles Heath (Key), a wealthy super-fan eager to reconnect with the music of his younger days.
Despite his wealth, Charles is anything but refined. Clad in waders as he welcomes his guest, he unintentionally sends Herb and his belongings tumbling into the sea. Matters worsen for Herb upon discovering that his former girlfriend and bandmate, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), is also en route—along with her new spouse, Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen).
What should have been a straightforward performance devolves into a series of embarrassments, compelling Herb to face his past, his lost love, and his unclear future. Surprisingly, this story of rock stars and an eccentric millionaire is not only comedic but also profoundly relatable and unexpectedly heartwarming.
### A Perfectly Complementary Comedy Duo
Key portrays Charles as an endearing yet oblivious optimist, always ready to assist—even if offering a bowl of rice pudding isn’t going to rescue Herb’s drenched phone. In contrast, Basden plays the straight man, exuding a sense of self-importance that amplifies his misadventures. His plunge into the ocean forces him to exchange his soaked “cool guy” look for Charles’ secondhand clothing, including an old McGwyer Mortimer concert T-shirt. Picture encountering your ex while sporting a shirt with a photo of you two together—that’s the type of cringe-worthy humor that *The Ballad of Wallis Island* excels at.
Despite their differences, the two characters complement one another perfectly. Herb is rigid, skeptical, and endlessly vexed by the island’s numerous inconveniences—such as the realization that his concert will occur on a rocky beach instead of a suitable venue. Meanwhile, Charles is cheerful, round-faced, and perpetually enthusiastic, eager to reconnect with the music that once brought him happiness. Their relationship is less about direct conflict and more a clash of Herb’s irritation against Charles’ well-meaning yet misguided efforts to assist.
Basden and Key’s comedic chemistry is finely honed, which is to be expected since this feature film is based on their award-winning short, *The One And Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.* Director James Griffiths, who directed the original short, returns to expand the narrative into a deeper, more nuanced exploration of love, loss, and moving forward.
### Carey Mulligan Brings Depth and Charm
While Basden and Key have had years to polish their comedic dynamic, the introduction of Nell offers a refreshing layer. Mulligan’s Nell exudes a breezy confidence that beautifully contrasts the awkwardness of Herb and Charles. With her radiant smile and effortlessly cool presence, she makes it clear why Herb was drawn to her—and why he still hasn’t moved on.
Mulligan doesn’t eclipse her co-stars; rather, she enriches the narrative with emotional depth. When Nell and Herb perform a duet, the moment feels so intimate and sincere that the audience may find themselves hoping for a romantic reconciliation. However, Mulligan plays Nell with a quiet wisdom, aware of Herb’s lingering affections yet careful not to encourage him. Their exchanges feel authentic, imbued with unspoken history and unresolved feelings.
### A Strong Supporting Ensemble and a Quirky Backdrop
Beyond the main trio, the film boasts a thoughtfully selected supporting cast. Ndifornyen’s Michael represents more than just romantic competition—he’s astute, protective of Nell, and quick to challenge Herb’s ongoing attachment. Meanwhile, Sian Clifford (known for her role as Claire in *Fleabag*) plays Amanda, a well-meaning yet hilariously oblivious shopkeeper who struggles to meet simple demands. (When asked for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, she presents a can of peanut butter and a coffee cup—because, well, it’s close enough.)
The island itself is