The Ballad of Wallis Island

“Quirky,” “cute,” “warm,” “funny,” and “lovely” — all words that pretty much sum up this film about a has-been folk singer brought out for a show on a remote Welsh island by a local fan — and lottery winner. Unfortunately for the singer, he discovers that not only is the isolated fan a bit… awkward, but the concert is for exactly one person. Not only that, but his former partner (now married to an American) has been brought out to the island, and there’s a chance that he may be able to rekindle things with her… except she brought her husband with her. There’s a whole lot of delightful awkwardness, quirky humor, and sweetly sad moments that culminate in a heartwarming close. It currently has a 97% Tomatometer and a 93% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes.

“The Ballad of Wallis Island is an emotional booster shot that lifts the spirits and gives us a case of the warm fuzzies — and you won’t hate yourself for feeling them.” -Randy Myers, San Jose Mercury News
“Love can be found and lasting connections can be made even in a world drowning in chaos and indecision. This is the song that The Ballad of Wallis Island triumphantly sings. It’s one worth playing on repeat.” -Sarah Michelle Fetters, MovieFreak.com
“The Ballad of Wallis Island is a superb little sleeper that may not be on your moviegoing radar. It’s the kind of film I love to champion; that is, the small, effective character study that deserves your attention.” -Odie Henderson, Boston Globe
“Under the gentle hand of Griffiths, The Ballad of Wallis Island is both hilarious and delicate” -Richard Whittaker, Austin Chronicle
“The comedy manages to be at once an odd-couple bromance, a showcase for Key’s uproarious woolgathering, a quite respectable musical event, a meditation on grief, and an achingly nostalgic look at the harmonies we carry with us through life.” -Bob Mondello, NPR
“The Ballad of Wallis Island is both modest and magical. One of its co-stars, Carey Mulligan, has described its tone as a “gentle euphoria.” That phrase perfectly expresses how this wonderful movie transports us.” -Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
“It’s so easy to love, even if love doesn’t come easy for its characters.” -Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post
“The Ballad of Wallis Island is not only deeply charming and laugh out loud funny for all its social foibles and comedy duo banter, but it’s also cathartic.” -Kristy Puchko, Mashable
“Wallis Island is warm, endearing and very funny, a quintessential indie smile-maker about nice, humble people adorably stumbling their way toward a little happiness.” -Kyle Smith, Wall Street Journal
“It’s something almost as rare as a revelation: a crowdpleaser I’d recommend to everyone.” -Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times

The Ballad of Wallis Island sails into The Clyde Friday, May 2, and shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday at 7:30.