The Ballad of Wallis Island Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
Amid a sea of blaring blockbusters and glittery special effects, a small British comedy about folk music has resonated with audiences and critics. The Ballad of Wallis Island, directed by James Griffiths, stars Tim Key, Tom Basden, and Carey Mulligan in a music-centric story about nostalgia and second chances.
The Ballad of Wallis Island Release Date
The Ballad of Wallis Island premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, to raucous raves from critics and audiences. Following its success, the film played at the SXSW Film Festival on March 8, 2025.
Focus Features released the film on March 28, 2025, for a limited theatrical run in select U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. The distribution plan followed the standard indie rollout approach, and if it performed well, it would expand into more cities.
The film opened in Canada on April 4, 2025, the same day it expanded to more U.S. cities in a continued limited run.
Internationally, release plans included Ireland on May 9, 2025, and the United Kingdom on May 30, 2025. Universal Pictures handled global distribution outside the U.S.
Streaming and Digital Release
As of May 6, 2025, The Ballad of Wallis Island is available on Peacock (Premium and Premium Plus) in the U.S. It can also be rented or purchased in 4K UHD via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango-at-Home.
Streaming availability is confirmed through October 6, 2025, with HD, Dolby Atmos, and HDR included. The soundtrack and select bonus content are also available on digital platforms.
Island Dreams: The Music and the Story
The movie follows Charles (Tim Key), a quirky lottery winner who lives alone with his cat on the fictional island of Wallis. Charles idolizes the folk-rock duo McGwyer Mortimer, who broke up years ago. Using his lottery winnings, Charles flies both bandmates to his island for a private reunion concert.
First to arrive is Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden), who’s grumpy and drenched after crash-landing his boat. He believes he’s performing for a tiny audience, unaware that Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) — his former bandmate and ex-lover — is on her way.
“I wanted to tell a story about the music we share,” said director James Griffiths. “Sometimes the songs we love are connected to the people we’ve lost.”
With nowhere to run, Herb and Nell must confront their past on an island that forces connection. Charles, meanwhile, quietly processes his loneliness while hosting his musical heroes.
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Cast List
Main Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Key | Charles | Eccentric lottery winner who orchestrates the band’s reunion |
| Tom Basden | Herb McGwyer | Sarcastic former musician facing creative burnout |
| Carey Mulligan | Nell Mortimer | Former bandmate now living in Portland, seeking peace beyond the spotlight |
Supporting Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sian Clifford | Amanda | An offbeat island shopkeeper who grows close to Charles |
| Akemnji Ndifornyen | Michael | Nell’s puffin-obsessed husband, humorously absent for most of the film |
Screens: From Spectator to Sundance
Filmed in coastal Wales in 2023, the rocky, remote setting of Wallis Island becomes a character of its own. “We wanted somewhere that felt disconnected from the world,” Griffiths explained. “When you’re on an island, you can’t just call an Uber. You have to confront what’s in front of you.”
After Sundance and SXSW, the film also screened at Filmfest München (June 28, 2025) and the Sydney Film Festival, earning further international acclaim. A wider German release is scheduled for July 10, 2025, with Australian premieres slated for August 2025 at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Focus Features secured worldwide rights, and Universal Pictures oversees the international rollout.
How To Watch The Ballad of Wallis Island
Following its limited U.S. release on March 28, The Ballad of Wallis Island expanded to additional theaters throughout April and May. Special one-night-only screenings are planned in select smaller cities.
The film is now streaming on Peacock, and digital access via Apple, Amazon, and other platforms began May 6, 2025. Viewers can also download an exclusive version of the soundtrack performed by Basden and Mulligan.
Some theater chains offered packages that included behind-the-scenes clips and a digital soundtrack — a collector’s dream for fans of McGwyer Mortimer’s bittersweet tunes.
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Critics Uber Alles: Reviews Are Raves
The movie currently holds a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised its warm tone, dry wit, and unexpected emotional depth.
“‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ hums along a sweet mellifluence without falling prey to outright sentimentalism,” reads the critical consensus.
Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com gave it three out of four stars, calling it “a sublime, adorable comedy.” The Hollywood Reporter described it as “funny-sad, with plenty of sweet, soothing music.”
Tom’s Guide recently dubbed it the “best movie of 2025 (so far)” — a sentiment echoed by critics who appreciate its slower, meaningful pace. Carey Mulligan shared with The Times that she wanted to do “something lovely” for a change — especially while pregnant during filming — and found the script to be tender and healing.
Strings That Resonate: What People Connect With
In a cinematic landscape dominated by superheroes and spectacle, The Ballad of Wallis Island tells a smaller, more intimate story.
“I think the honesty of the film gets people,” said Griffiths. “We all have songs that remind us of certain moments.”
Tim Key added, “It has a hopeful message about second chances without being cheesy. Sometimes we need a nudge — or a private concert — to get going.”
FAQ
Q: Is Wallis Island real?
A: No, it’s fictional. The film was shot on the coast of Wales.
Q: Can I stream the songs?
A: Yes! The Songs of McGwyer Mortimer is now available on major streaming platforms.
Q: Is the movie based on a true story?
A: No, but it’s based on a 2007 short film by Basden and Key, which was BAFTA-nominated.
Q: Will there be a sequel?
A: No plans have been confirmed, though Griffiths said he’s “open” to revisiting the world someday.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: It’s in select theaters and now streaming via Peacock and other digital platforms as of May 6, 2025.
Final Thoughts
In an overstuffed movie season teeming with sound and fury, The Ballad of Wallis Island is something else entirely — a gentle, soul-felt tale about music, memory, and the bravery required to face what’s been left unsaid. It’s a rare kind of film, and like the best folk songs, it leaves an echo long after the last note fades.
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