Two very different British films hit cinemas today, both set far out west in the UK, yet offering completely contrasting vibes.
One is a charming comedy filled with laughs and heart, while the other takes a much more serious, slower-paced look at hardship and endurance.
The Ballad Of Wallis Island Brings Both Laughter and Heartbreak
Let’s start with The Ballad Of Wallis Island, a brilliantly funny yet poignant film written by and starring Tim Key and Tom Basden.
It tells the story of Charles, played by Key, a lonely man living in a sprawling house on a small island off the Pembrokeshire coast.
His social life is limited to brief visits to the local shop, run by Amanda, a single mum played by Sian Clifford.
Charles is wealthy—thanks to winning the lottery twice in his past life as a nurse—and he decides to spend a fortune bringing together a somewhat famous folk-rock duo, Herb McGwyer (Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), for a private concert on the island.
What Herb doesn’t realize is that Nell is also coming, and she’s now married to Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen), which stirs up all kinds of old tensions and unresolved feelings.
Charles Is Endearingly Awkward and Lovable
Charles is a mix of nervous energy and awkward charm, with a penchant for wordplay and puns that reminded me of British comedy icons like Alan Partridge or David Brent—but softer and far more tender.
He’s endlessly endearing, if a little over-eager, and his quirks bring both humor and a touch of sadness to the story.
Herb initially thinks Charles made his fortune in finance or oil, but it turns out he was a nurse who won the lottery twice.
The film slowly reveals Charles’s complicated past, especially his lost love, Marie, who still haunts his memories.
Stunning Scenery and Strong Performances Make This Film Shine
Directed by James Griffiths with gorgeous panoramic shots that could easily be a tourism ad for Pembrokeshire, The Ballad Of Wallis Island grew out of a well-loved 2007 short film by the same team.
It balances humor and emotional depth beautifully, even if one subplot around Nell’s husband feels a bit forced.
Carey Mulligan delivers a quietly brilliant performance as Nell, while Tom Basden shines both as an actor and the film’s songwriter.
But Tim Key’s portrayal of Charles is truly something special—full of heartbreak and humanity.
I found myself utterly captivated, reminded a little of the warm charm of Local Hero, but with a modern, bittersweet twist.
The Ballad Of Wallis Island Has Crossed the Atlantic with Success
What surprised me was how well this very British story has done in the US since its Sundance premiere.
Despite its quirky British references—from Monster Munch crisps to Ken Dodd jokes—the universal themes of loneliness, love, friendship, and money resonate far beyond these shores.
The Salt Path Offers a Different, More Sobering Journey
Switching gears, The Salt Path is also about money, but the near-total lack of it.
Based on Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, this film follows Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and her husband Moth (Jason Isaacs) after they lose their home and Moth is diagnosed with a rare degenerative illness.
Homeless and with little hope, they decide to walk the South West Coast Path—through Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall—carrying only a tent.
The film captures their struggles and moments of kindness along the way, but the journey feels much tougher to watch.
It’s often slow and feels a bit of a slog, making you wonder if a theatre director, Marianne Elliott, was the best fit for her feature film debut.
Beautiful Scenery and Strong Acting Cannot Fully Save This Film
The coastal landscapes are breathtaking, and both Anderson and Isaacs give strong performances, though their polished looks sometimes make it hard to believe they are really down on their luck.
The story shows both the warmth and the coldness of strangers they meet, but the pacing drags at times, making the emotional impact less immediate.
Two Films, Two Very Different Experiences
So, if you’re looking for a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud story with a quirky British twist, The Ballad Of Wallis Island is a fantastic pick.
But if you want a slower, more reflective film about hardship, endurance, and the human spirit against the backdrop of wild coastal beauty, The Salt Path might be worth a watch—just be prepared for a slower journey.