{"id":2248,"date":"2025-03-26T01:00:50","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T08:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/?p=2248"},"modified":"2025-04-17T15:03:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T22:03:47","slug":"the-ballad-of-wallis-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/2025\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ballad of Wallis Island * A Unique Film With Wonderful Acting, An Unconventional Story, And Heartfelt Themes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2249\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/balladwallis.poster-203x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"121\" height=\"179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/balladwallis.poster-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/balladwallis.poster.jpg 473w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 121px) 100vw, 121px\" \/>The Ballad Of Wallis Island<\/em> follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden &amp; Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, \u201c<em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make <em>The Ballad<\/em> <em>of Wallis Island<\/em> a stellar drama.\u201d See his full review below.<\/p>\n<p>The Ballad of Wallis Island<br \/>\nBy Daniel Salem, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Daniel S. Delivers a Riveting Review of The Ballad of Wallis Island\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PG9-4WAxqiw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2250\" style=\"width: 241px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2250\" class=\" wp-image-2250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00144_RC_rgb-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00144_RC_rgb-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00144_RC_rgb.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2250\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Carey Mulligan as Nell Mortimer and Tom Basden as Herb McGwyer in THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, Focus Features. Credit: Alistair Heap\/Focus Features \u00a92025 All Rights Reserved<em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make <em>The Ballad<\/em> <em>of Wallis Island<\/em> a stellar drama.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> follows the famed singer and songwriter Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) as he travels to a secluded island for a gig. Hired to perform for two-time lottery winner Charles (Tim Key), Herb is forced not only to put on a good show, but to find himself emotionally, musically, and spiritually along the way.<\/p>\n<p>The performances in <em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> are nothing short of spectacular. Although Tom Basden\u2019s Herb McGwyer leads the film, he shares the screen with Tim Key\u2019s Charles, and the two are incredible together. They have a sort of chemistry that feels natural, and watching their friendship blossom throughout the film is a joy. They are polar opposites that are bound together, forced to find common ground. It\u2019s no wonder the two work so well on screen together because they actually wrote the film together!<\/p>\n<p>To begin with, Tom Basden\u2019s acting excellently captures the kind of existential crisis of an artist past their prime. Although not uncommon, this theme is a central part of the film. Herb McGwyer has descended from his peak in popularity, and Basden depicts his entrapment in the past so well.<\/p>\n<p>Tim Key\u2019s portrayal of Charles is 100% the highlight of the film. He brings a kind and bright energy every time he is on screen, which works perfectly to counteract the gloomy Herb.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Daniel S. Unlocks the Secrets of &#039;Wallis Island&#039; with Tom Basden, Tim Key &amp; James Griffiths\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JPczvK3ZUBc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2251\" style=\"width: 243px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2251\" class=\" wp-image-2251\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00083_R_rgb-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00083_R_rgb-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-4222_D008_00083_R_rgb.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 233px) 100vw, 233px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2251\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L to R) Co-writer\/actor Tom Basden, director James Griffiths and actor Carey Mulligan on the set of THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, a Focus Features release. Credit: Alistair Heap\/Focus Features \u00a92025 All Rights Reserved<\/p><\/div>\n<p>All of Key\u2019s comedic lines are well-delivered, and his witty, but lighthearted demeanor uplifts the film. Both Basden and Key experience an emotional arc together that is beautiful to watch. Academy Award nominee Carrey Mulligan not only produces, but stars in this film as well. Mulligan plays Nell Mortimer, the other half of \u201cMcGwyer Mortimer,\u201d an incredibly popular music duo. Her portrayal as a former musician is outstanding and starkly contrasts with Herb\u2019s personality. Their onscreen dynamic is great, as is their chemistry. They are past lovers, and watching them reunite after years, and dissect the band\u2019s falling out is very interesting.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> is rather unusual in that it takes place in one location \u2013 an island in the middle of nowhere. Wallis Island is tucked away from the rest of society, and therefore cut off from wifi, technology, and civilization. It feels as though Wallis Island has its own personality in its transformative nature. It morphs the characters emotionally, and puts them to the test. Both Herb and Nell are trapped and pushed to figure out what they want. Are they truly just seeking payment for the gig, or are they looking for something deeper, like a connection?<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2252\" style=\"width: 243px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2252\" class=\" wp-image-2252\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-TBOWI_FP_00601_R_rgb-300x126.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"98\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-TBOWI_FP_00601_R_rgb-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-TBOWI_FP_00601_R_rgb-768x322.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-TBOWI_FP_00601_R_rgb.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 233px) 100vw, 233px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2252\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tom Basden as Herb McGwyer, Carey Mulligan as Nell Mortimer and Tim Key as Charles in THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features \u00a9 2025 All Rights Reserved.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> juggles several mature themes, including societal isolation and the cost of fame, but the film\u2019s message is about the importance of human relationships. We find Herb kind of disappointed with himself, and discouraged, but only until he goes to Wallis Island does he begin to find meaning in his life. Through his friendship with Charles, a man with whom he is completely different, he finds what is missing in his life and art \u2013 human connection and companionship. Ironically, his adventure to a place secluded from all society is where he learns the power of the bonds and friendships he builds.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. <em>The Ballad of Wallis Island<\/em> releases exclusively in theaters March 28, 2025.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 28\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HTi-e20yVNs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ballad Of Wallis Island follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden &#038; Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, \u201cThe Ballad of Wallis Island is a unique film that I absolutely loved. Its wonderful performances, unconventional story, and heartfelt themes make The Ballad of Wallis Island a stellar drama.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[2459,278,2460,2452,2455,2462,2458,263,220,2451,2453,2464,2454,2457,2456,2463,2461],"class_list":["post-2248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-film-critics-blog","tag-academic-awards","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-carey-mulligan","tag-folk-music","tag-herb-mcgwyer","tag-human-relationships","tag-lottery-winners","tag-movie","tag-movie-reviews","tag-movies-and-tv","tag-music-movie","tag-spiritual-awakening","tag-the-ballad-of-wallis-island","tag-tim-key","tag-tom-basden","tag-unconventional","tag-wallis-island"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2248"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2290,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2248\/revisions\/2290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}