A MIFF 2025 favourite!
More sessions soon…
Earning one of the biggest standing ovations at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND is a heartwarming, critically adored British dramedy starring three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan.
Directed by James Griffiths (A Million Little Things, Episodes) based on his award-winning 2007 short film, ‘The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island’, this fresh, charming and emotionally resonant tale of miscommunication, lost love and renewed hope stars UK comedy veterans Tom Basden and Tim Key, who also co-wrote the film, alongside Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen and Carey Mulligan.
After agreeing to do a private gig on a remote island, international music superstar Herb McGwyer (Basden) is perplexed to learn that he’ll be playing for an audience of one – eccentric lottery winner Charles (Key). And the seaside concert he’s set to do? That’s actually a reunion show for McGwyer Mortimer, the folk-rock duo that launched his career years before.
Reuniting with his ex-bandmate and former lover Nell (Mulligan) after nearly a decade of estrangement stirs up old feelings – made even more complicated by her husband Michael (Ndifornyen) having accompanied her on the journey. As the musicians re-engage with their back catalogue in preparation for the big show, Herb and Nell find their musical chemistry remains as strong as ever, but old wounds soon begin to resurface, jeopardising everything. Somehow, amiable Charles must find a way to manage a collection of strong personalities if he’s to witness his dream performance.
