If you want a cinema experience that’s undeniably wholesome and endearing, see The Ballad of Wallis Island. 

The new film follows an eccentric man, Charles, whose greatest dream is reuniting Mortimer-McGwyer, his all-time favorite musical duo. When the ex-bandmates (and former lovers) agree to play a private show on Wallis Island, Charles tries desperately to mitigate old tensions to salvage his dream performance.

The Ballad of Wallis Island comes from co-writers Tom Basden and Tim Key. The duo also play the film’s leads, with Key as Charles Heath and Basden as Herb McGwyer. Carey Mulligan appears as the other half of the music duo, Nell Mortimer. James Griffiths directs the feature.

As a story, The Ballad of Wallis Island is many things. It’s “getting the band back together”. It’s “super fan meets his idols”. You get city-guy-meets-country, fish-out-of-water hijinks, a little music, a little romance, and plenty of oddball comedy. You think you know where this movie is going, and in many instances, you’re right – but it’s an undeniably enjoyable journey regardless.

Arguably the biggest reason Wallis Island succeeds? Tim Key. Key is completely perfect as Charles. This premise could have easily been used for a different kind of film; the movie even makes a self-aware Misery joke about it. But Key makes Charles so incredibly sweet and earnest, you just want to give him a big bear hug at every turn. His love for Mortimer-McGwyer is infectious; his dedication to making his idols feel at home charming; his budding romance with local shopkeeper Amanda (Sian Clifford) endearing. You can’t watch The Ballad of Wallis Island and want anything less than the absolute best for this guy.

As the story progresses, seeing Herb and Nell’s dynamic gives us hints at their previous relationship – to their music, and to one another. But The Ballad of Wallis Island doesn’t necessarily play the chords the audience may expect. This both is and isn’t a love story.

I thought examining the Mortimer-McGwyer dynamic specifically through Herb’s perspective was a strong choice. While it did mean a little less Carey Mulligan than I may have liked (who doesn’t want more Carey Mulligan always?), I liked the way this intentional framing informed the direction of the story and gave a greater insight into Herb. However, I would have liked to see more of their shared past to really bring that emotional connection and Herb’s character arc home. 

The film offers up plenty of surprising, laugh-out-loud moments. The comedy keeps things light, even when tensions between the characters rise. Again, Key makes every scene a little weird and wonderful; Charles’ unique take on the world (and social boundaries) leads to just the right kind of lighthearted mishaps and mayhem. Oh and shout out to Basden, who seems to spend a disproportionate amount of his screentime sopping wet because of this.

The movie also features original music for Mortimer-McGwyer. The folksy-rock tunes are serviceable, if not standout. However, they pair well with the tone and overall vibe of the story.

All in all, despite some flaws, it seems impossible not to be charmed by The Ballad of Wallis Island. Though I would have enjoyed more time to build out and explore the Mortimer-McGwyer dynamic of the past and present, the story does still give you enough to feel invested. With lighthearted comedy, the loveable Charles, and the right mix of sweet and bittersweet, The Ballad of Wallis Island is an easy, endearing watch.

The Ballad of Wallis Island premieres in theaters March 28.