Dramatic films linking the power of storytelling with the song writing process could almost be their own category at Sundance. Emmy Rossum’s debut in “Songcatcher” (2000) and Irish Director John Carney’s hits “Once” (2006), “Sing Street” (2016), and “Flora and Son” (2023) are personal favorites.
In "Ballad of Wallis Island,” Director James Griffiths joins that list, serving up a more comedic turn, reuniting British comedians Tom Basden and Tim Key (Two Films About Loneliness, 2015 Sundance Film Festival) in a feature film based upon a short story that the trio created almost 20 years ago.
Set on a fictional Welsh island, a reclusive lottery winner played by Key invites his favorite folk duo to perform one final, personal gig. The duo, played wonderfully by Basden and Carey Mulligan, haven’t seen or spoken to each other in over a decade. It quickly becomes clear that their parting was not as mutual as characterized by public accounts. Key delivers constant jokes as his isolated character is seemingly only able to communicate with annoying but hilarious word play. His banter with the musicians goes way beyond obsession, but is well-meaning, ultimately anchoring a journey of renewal and healing by the artists as they grapple with careers and personal relationships headed in opposite directions. The cinematography is stunning, and while the jokes get a little tiresome, the charm and sincerity of the characters on the island keep the story on track.
On the KPCW sun rating system, " Ballad of Wallis Island " receives four out of five suns.
