‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ Opens in Theaters, Showcasing Carey Mulligan and Folk Nostalgia

The long-awaited feature film expands a 2007 BAFTA-nominated short, blending humor, sentimentality, and music to explore reinvention and fandom.

James Griffiths’ ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ releases in limited theaters on March 28, 2025, following its Sundance premiere earlier this year.
The film stars Tom Basden as a washed-up folk musician and Carey Mulligan as his estranged ex-bandmate, with Tim Key playing a quirky, devoted fan.
An expansion of the 2007 BAFTA-nominated short film, the feature explores themes of nostalgia, personal growth, and the complexities of fandom.
Music plays a pivotal role, featuring 16 original songs by Tom Basden and a warm, evocative score by Adem Ilhan.
Critics praise the film’s heartfelt performances, particularly Carey Mulligan’s, and its balance of humor and emotional depth, though some note predictable narrative elements.