The Band Gets Back Together in The Ballad Of Wallis Island First Trailer

Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan stars in James Griffiths’ The Ballad of Wallis Island, as the first trailer for the Sundance 2025 official selection is released.

The film follows Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden), a musician hired to perform a gig on Wallis Island by lottery winner Charles (Tim Key), who lives alone on the island. What Herb doesn’t know is that Charles has also hired his former bandmate and ex-girlfriend Nell Mortimer (Mulligan) to play alongside him as the millionaire free spirit attempts to fulfil his dream of seeing his favourite band back together. Tensions rise even further when Herb finds out Charles intends for the band to play for an audience of one, just him. As pressure continues to mount, Charles tries desperately to save his dream gig.

“I’m gonna have to take out a restraining order,” Herb jokes in the trailer.

The Ballad of Wallis Island, filmed in Wales, showcases some sweetness and sincerity in its trailer, amongst a couple of laugh-out-loud moments and a hint of sadness, too.

The Ballad of Wallis Island follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, Mortimer-McGwyer (Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden) back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

Mulligan, Basden and Key are joined by Sian Clifford (Fleabag) and Akemnji Ndifornyen (Leonardo) among the main cast.

The Ballad Of Wallis Island is set to have its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which begins on 23rd January and finishes on 2nd February. Its U.S theatrical release will follow on  28th March, UK release date still to be announced.