You’ve probably seen those clips on TikTok or Instagram—a soaking wet Tom Basden dragging a suitcase through the surf while an eccentric-looking Tim Key waits on the beach with a tiny whiteboard. It’s awkward, it’s quintessentially British, and it’s from The Ballad of Wallis Island.
If you’re looking for The Ballad of Wallis Island streaming options because you missed its theatrical run in 2025, you aren't alone. This movie kind of snuck up on everyone. It started as a cult-favorite short film nearly twenty years ago and somehow morphed into a Sundance breakout starring Carey Mulligan. Honestly, in a world of $200 million superhero sequels, a quiet movie about a folk duo reuniting for a lonely lottery winner is exactly the kind of palate cleanser we need.
Is The Ballad of Wallis Island Streaming on Netflix or Max?
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. As of early 2026, The Ballad of Wallis Island is not currently part of the "free" library on Netflix, Max, or Hulu.
Because the film was distributed by Universal (specifically through Focus Features in some regions), it followed a very traditional release window. It hit theaters in early 2025, moved to Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) shortly after, and has basically stayed in the "digital storefront" phase ever since.
You can find it for rent or purchase on:
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- Amazon Prime Video (Usually around $3.99 to rent)
- Apple TV / iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
The good news? It has started popping up on some subscription services depending on your region. In the UK and certain international markets, it’s been spotted on Sky and occasionally Peacock, given the Universal connection. If you're in the US and waiting for it to be "free" with your Prime or Netflix sub, you might be waiting a few more months.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With This Weird Little Folk Movie
It’s hard to describe the vibe of this film without sounding a bit precious. Basically, Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) is a washed-up folk singer who thinks he’s being paid half a million pounds to play a private gig. When he gets to Wallis Island—a fictional, rugged Welsh isle—he realizes the "audience" is just one guy named Charles (Tim Key).
Then Carey Mulligan shows up.
She plays Nell, Herb’s former musical and romantic partner who now spends her days making chutney in Oregon. The chemistry is... well, it’s uncomfortable. It’s that specific type of "we used to be everything to each other and now we’re strangers" energy.
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What makes it worth the rental fee?
- The Music: The songs were actually written by Basden. They aren't just "movie songs"—they feel like genuine mid-2000s indie folk that you’d find on a dusty vinyl at a thrift store.
- Tim Key’s Performance: Most people know him as the "Sidekick Simon" from Alan Partridge, but here he plays a man grieving his late wife with such a bizarre, optimistic fragility that it actually breaks your heart.
- The Scenery: It was filmed on the Welsh coast, and the cinematography makes you want to throw your phone in the ocean and move to a cabin where the only shop sells nothing but canned beans and basic stationery.
Common Misconceptions About the "Wallis Island" Release
One thing that confuses people looking for The Ballad of Wallis Island streaming is the title. You might see it listed in some older databases as The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.
That’s the original 2007 short film.
Don’t accidentally rent the 15-minute version if you’re looking for the full 100-minute feature. The 2025 movie expands the story significantly, adding Nell’s American husband (played by Akemnji Ndifornyen) and a subplot involving Sian Clifford as the island’s only shopkeeper.
Another weird quirk? Some people think Wallis Island is a real place you can vacation to. It’s not. While the movie captures the rugged beauty of the UK coastline perfectly, "Wallis Island" is a fictional creation. You can visit the filming locations in Wales, but don’t expect to find a lottery-winning widower waiting for you with a suitcase of cash.
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How to Get the Best Viewing Experience
If you’re going to stream this, do yourself a favor: don’t watch it on your phone during a commute.
The sound design is a huge part of why this movie works. The crashing waves, the acoustic guitar hum, and the awkward silences between Herb and Nell need a decent set of speakers or headphones. It’s a "vibe" movie. It’s meant to be watched on a rainy Tuesday night with a hot drink.
Quick Technical Checklist for Streaming:
- 4K Availability: Most platforms like Apple TV offer it in 4K. Since the landscapes are so stunning, it’s actually worth the extra couple of bucks.
- Subtitles: Tim Key and Tom Basden have a very fast-paced, mumbly comedic rhythm. If you aren't used to dry British humor, keeping the subs on for the first ten minutes helps you catch the best jokes.
Final Verdict: Should You Rent It?
Honestly? Yes. In an era where everything feels like it was written by a committee to satisfy an algorithm, The Ballad of Wallis Island feels handmade. It’s messy, it’s occasionally too slow, and Herb is kind of a jerk for the first half-hour. But by the time they reach the final "concert" on the beach, you’ll understand why it got a standing ovation at Sundance.
It’s a movie about the fact that you can’t really go back to the past, but you can at least play a song for it.
Your Next Steps:
Check your existing Prime Video or Apple TV library to see if you have any leftover digital credits. Since the rental price has stabilized around $3.99, it's the perfect "nothing else is on" weekend watch. If you're a die-hard fan of Carey Mulligan's dramatic work, be prepared—this is much funnier and stranger than her usual roles, but her singing is genuinely beautiful.