Taskmaster star Tim Key's new British comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island has debuted with a strong Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Written by and starring Key (Alan Partridge, Pls Like) and Tom Basden (Plebs, Star Stories), with Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman, Maestro) also starring, the film tells the story of a man who has won the lottery.
And what does he decide to do with his money? Invite his favourite formerly-married musical duo McGwyer-Mortimer to play on his remote island, of course. Unfortunately, McGwyer had no idea his ex was coming, nor that she would be turning up with her new husband.
Related: UK film release dates
Following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, The Ballad of Wallis Island currently stands at a very impressive score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, from 12 reviews.
Critics have praised it for its gentle British humour brought to life through Key's eccentric character Charles and his endless stream of puns, but for also deftly handling the pathos that lurks just below the surface.
What to Read Next
Here's what some of the reviews have said:
Screen Daily
"Eccentric British humour and pathos lift their voices in gentle harmony in James Griffiths’ heartwarming comic crowd-pleaser that indicates no man is an island – even if he lives on one. He and writers/co-stars Tom Basden and Tim Key find the sweet spot between silliness and sentimentality while adding a dash of John Carney-style musical wistfulness to their tale of connection and moving on."
IndieWire
"This trio could easily be reduced to tropes or archetypes: the sell-out rock star, the crunchy has-been, and the kooky fan, but Basden and Key know their guys and gal, and where they need to go."
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
ScreenRant
"Basden and Key, who wrote the film together after releasing a short based on the concept with director James Griffith 18 years ago, could play this straight, but Charles is the film's secret weapon. His off-kilter sense of humor, played with oblivious charm by Key, makes Nell and Herb's reunion a comedy of manners by way of a fish-out-of-water concept, except Nell and Herb are the fish and Charles is constantly throwing zingers and surprises their way."
RogerEbert.com
"Like John Candy's Del Griffith, Charles is a well-intentioned oaf with an undimmed disposition. He says such awe-shuck lines like, 'There's a wowser for your trousers.' He also can't read the room... As Charles, Key is the perfect balance between adorable and annoying, adding subtle grace notes of grief to an already affecting comedic performance."
The Ballad of Wallis Island will have a limited theatrical release in the US on March 28. A UK release date has not been confirmed at the current time.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
