Back by Popular Demand – 97% RT Score

The director James Griffiths reunites with the writers and players Tom Basden and Tim Key to expand on their acclaimed Bafta-winning short from 2007, a whimsical, poignant comedy about lost love, unlikely lottery wins and obsessive fandom. Brief former folk sensation Herb McGwyer (Basden) is lured to a remote Welsh island by wealthy superfan Charles (Key), only to discover the lucrative reunion gig he was promised isn’t for him alone. Nell (Carey Mulligan), his ex-partner, both domestic and musical, is also invited for a reunion gig. Worse still, she arrives with her bird-watching new husband (Akemnji Ndifornyen).…A hot ticket at Sundance, The Ballad of Wallis Island has already developed a cult following – and a champion in Four Weddings and a Funeral creator Richard Curtis, who has called it one of the best British films of all time…. Mulligan brings heart to Basden’s wistful folk compositions, and Key babbles amiably, as this crowd-pleaser salutes the redemptive power of a singsong. – Irish Times

A cozy crowd-pleaser with real heart and some lovely songs, and one that doesn’t trade honesty for predictable beats. –IndieWire