The Ballad of Wallis Island (2024)
- Dane Bundy
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Now here is a tender and insightful film, a straightforward redemption story about new beginnings.
The movie follows a wealthy and eccentric two-time lottery winner, Charles (Tim Key). His dream is to reunite his favorite band from the past, McGwyer Mortimer. Did I also mention that he lives alone on his own island? It’s quite beautiful, and I hereby inform all that if I am called to live on this island, Megan and I will make the sacrifice.
With money as no obstacle, Charles invites the two band members to his island for a private show. The only problem is that McGwyer and Mortimer are not talking, and haven’t done so in many years. Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) is more than happy to visit, but Herb McGwyer . . . not only does not want this gig, he does not know Nell will be there. As soon as he sees her . . . with her husband, he wants off the island as fast as possible. Of course, the filmmakers don’t make it that easy. Herb is a Scrooge with a guitar, and the ghosts of his past aren’t finished with him.
Who doesn’t love a great music movie? Some of my favorites are La La Land (2016), Whiplash (2014), Yesterday (2019), Once (2007), Sing Street (2016), and That Thing You Do! (1996). My one criticism of many movies in this genre is that they are all about self-actualization, shedding the people and things holding you back, and pursuing your best life! They often carry the overtones of: you before others.
The Ballad of Wallis Island (2024) breaks this mold, showing that selfishness and self-centeredness lead to misery, but using our gifts for others leads to joy.
Now, except for some language, this is a family movie with some hilarious moments, good music, and a worldview that resonates with the Christian faith. I also must add that, like the movie Once (2007), the movie takes some unconventional plot turns, which are refreshing. P.S. filmmakers, I’d like more movies like this, please!
Want more? Watch my review on Stage & Story TV.
Dane Bundy is President of Stage & Story and Director of Fine Arts at Regents School of Austin.
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