So, this was a delightful experience all around—we had a reception in an Irish Pub (McGinty’s), and they provided live music, traditional Irish, of course. And then we were given a scratcher when we entered the theater (from which I won nothing, but it was awesome nonetheless!).
This is one of those events that makes you want to really love the movie…it even came with an adorable pre-recorded message from all the stars talking about how much they loved making the movie and urging us to tell all our friends (that’s you!) to go see the film.
And ya know what…I’m going to!
The Ballad of Wallis Island is about Charles (Tim Key), a quirky lottery winner who invites his favorite musicians back together for a very special gig. Trouble is, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) broke up long ago and haven’t seen each other for nine years. Yet still, they both arrive on the island, much to Herb McGwyer’s surprise, and begin practicing for a gig they soon find out will be held for 1 person. Charles. Things get tense, and old troubles and passions complicate things, but in the heart of the music is a timeless love, even if it is no longer possible.
I really liked this movie, everything from the cinematography to the acting to the music…it was all a wonderful blend. In perfect rhythm with a story that (at its heart) is heartbreaking and hysterical all at the same time. You find yourself moved by the sadness carried in the heart of each of these characters: Charles for the wife he lost, Herb for the love he can’t recover, and Nell for the career she lost. At the same time, the simple joy found in the love of music makes this such a lighthearted and lovable tale.
This movie was full of quirky cuteness, and Charles (Key) is the quirkiest. He is so adorably strange that I found myself watching him even when he wasn’t the focus of the scene. His delivery made every line a gem. His interactions with Amanda (Sian Clifford), the local shop owner, were a highlight for me. Clifford goes all in on this character, and just makes the screen glow when she’s on it. Their interactions also showed just how normal Charles is on this island of misfits. I looked forward to the shop scenes so much that I genuinely clapped when I saw them headed into it.
But the real connection in this movie is with Charles and Herb. When they are on screen together, it is magic. The two of them are such polar opposites that even the most mundane conversation about rice is uproarious.
Basden’s cynical, world-weary “rock star” makes you long to run away to an island full of weirdos, but his connection to the music brings you right back again. Hearing the longing in his voice and the struggle in his lyrics had me humming tunes as I walked out of the theater.
Put this against the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen, and you’ve got a movie I highly recommend.
My only hesitation is Nell Mortimer…it isn’t Mulligan’s acting, which is stronger than ever, but it is the lack of story line for her and even more, the lack of closure. I felt like Nell was the beautiful muse, used and tossed aside in this story. Much like Charles’ dead wife. They were both plot points, given little examination of what they wanted or hoped for. The only indication we get is Nell writing in a journal, and we can only hope she’s going back to writing songs.
BUT don’t let that stop you, this is a great movie, made with love, and it is amazingly well done. Give it a go, I promise you’ll walk out of the theater smiling and humming.
9/10
