One of the best films ever made is Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It had a lot of comedic elements throughout, and it balanced comedy with bits of humanity. The 1987 film features a bitter man who becomes worn down emotionally by an incessantly friendly traveler. As the movie unfolds, the traveler Del Griffith, played by John Candy, wears the main character down to his core. The main character, Neal, played by Steve Martin, figures out there’s more to fix with his personality than Del’s. The Ballad of Wallis Island has a similar dynamic to it.
It features a folk musician invited to do a gig overseas. Instead of arriving to a swarm of fans, Herb finds himself stuck with a very unconventional and jolly Islander. Much like Martin‘s character in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, the musician has a lot of soul-searching to perform. The film takes us on an amusingly heartfelt character drama about the world’s most endearing Islander breaking down the emotional core of a jaded folk musician.
The Ballad of Wallis Island‘s story
Directed by James McGriffiths and written by Tom Basden and Tim Key, the movie stars Brasden as folk music star Herb McGwyer as he travels to the isolated locale of Wallis Island where a man named Charles Heath, performed by Tim Key, greets Herb and shows him around the isolated location. As Herb prepares to take on a fortunate gig, the two men get to know each other. The longer they interact, the more things seem strange about Charles. The first red flag is that Charles is the only person interested in Herb’s presence on the island. Second, whenever he is around Herb, he becomes excessively talkative, almost like an obsessed fan.
Herb discovers he is not playing for a giant audience at Wallis Island. It is a personal invite from Charles himself and no one else. Charles has agreed to pay Herb a massive half million dollars to play one night of most of his catalog. To make things more problematic, Charles invites Herb’s old music partner and ex-wife, Neil Mortimer, played by Carey Mulligan, to join him for this one-night performance.
One of the most endearing movie characters
The film then unfolds an emotional and comedic dance of drama, love, and overcoming grief as Herb reckons with the strange scenario that has brought him to this lonely island. It’s here that we begin to understand Charles. As written, Charles is one of the most endearing and lovely movie characters written for the screen. Unlike John Candy in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Charles has an infectious quality to his clinginess and optimism. Herb figures out Charles won the lottery not once but twice, giving him so much money to afford anything in the world. With all the resources at his disposal, Charles chose to have one musical and magical night where Herb performs exclusively for Charles on the wide open shore of Walliis Island.
Key, who portrays Charles, performs the character with a delightful wonder. It’s almost the same spirit and tenderness displayed by Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso. His character exudes sweetness and naivety, a talent capable of pushing the most bitter old soul to feel exhausted. But Key is brilliant as the character, giving one of the most likable performances of the year so far. It’s very early in 2025, but there is a strong case that he might remain memorable during awards season as the year continues.
A tender movie about letting go
Thematically, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a story about grieving. Herb remains inflicted by the loss of his relationship with Nell. With the invitation sent to her by Charles, it becomes clear Herb has not confronted the finality of their relationship, and it shows in his expressed anxiety about Nell’s arrival. Nell moved on with a new significant other, but as she attempts to rekindle her love for making music with Herb, one can see Nell still mourns the chemistry they once shared. Charles, with all his whimsy and fortune, orchestrates the reunion in honor of his late wife’s love for music. Herb finally understands the reasons for his arrival as the performance serves as a heartfelt tribute to her memory.
The tensions and emotions mount as these elements push and pull on each other. Herb finds he has not healed his affection for Nell, and she has a few unsuspecting surprises of her own. The screenplay beautifully creates little moments of character that move the drama forward while building backstory. When Nell and Herb argue, we feel their history, and when they sing together, the same is true. And when Charles has watery eyes from the music, his catharsis feels genuine. But as beautiful as these moments become, none of their stay on Wallis Island moves forward as planned because the history remains.
The healing impact of music
The Ballad of Wallis Island is one of those movies we rarely see anymore. The film has no motive to change the landscape of cinema or offer a theme park ride on the big screen. It’s a pure character drama filled with joyful moments of laughter, regret, and tenderness. The story demonstrates the healing power of music, which can benefit both the creator and the listener.
Overall, The Ballad of Wallis Island is delightfully warmhearted and introduces one of 2025’s most lovable supporting characters. Comedian Tim Key is an incredible performer, delivering a smothering blend of humor and sincerity that will surely resonate with moviegoers. It’s a wonderfully sentimental and comedic exploration of grief and healing through one man’s love of musical talent.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is now in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to get tickets, at the official website.
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