The Ballad of Wallis Island
Seen it?2025 | 100 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved About Schmidt or Local Hero, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
An eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favourite musicians to perform at his home.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 3 BAFTAs.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 493K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by James Griffiths
- Tom BasdenHerb McGwyer
- Tim KeyCharles Heath
- Carey MulliganNell Mortimer
- Sian CliffordAmanda
- Akemnji NdifornyenMichael
- Steve MarshPeter
- Luka DownieMarcus
- Kerrie ThomasonMarie
- Arron LongTour Guide (uncredited)