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‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ Review: James Griffiths’ Soulful and Winsome Crowd-Pleaser Makes the Heart Sing

Tim Key, Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan are a disarmingly delightful trio in a quirky and music-filled comedy set on picturesque Welsh shores.

A co-writer (along with co-lead and his longtime comedy partner Tom Basden), Key is the main reason this cozily windswept and romantically sea-sprayed fable — based on the trio’s 2007 short film “The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island” — succeeds in earning the goodwill of the audience. The winsome result brings to mind the humanity of John Carney’s music-driven films, as well as the nostalgic vibe of Jesse Peretz’s “Juliet, Naked.” The natural warmth Key exudes through Charles instantly halts any preconceived notions we might have about an indulgent millionaire following his heart’s desires. Alive with plenty of droll British humor and with a music-filled, picturesque finale that is sincerely earned, “The Ballad of Wallis Island” is the best kind of crowd-pleaser: disarming, joyful and full of compassion for its oddball characters.

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