ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
An Ode to Naples (Nostalgia Napoli)
Through the sincere eyes of local Neapolitans and vivid street-level snapshots, this documentary delves into the soul of a city too often defined by myth—exploring culture, resilience, and everyday miracles in a place rarely seen so intimately.
Director
Roberto Andò
With
Local residents, musicians, poets, and cultural figures of Naples
1h 47m • Rated E • Documentary • Italy • Eng Subs
The island setting, the modest production, and the humor that often arises from character rather than contrivance work together to keep the film from ever feeling flat. On the flip side, a few feel the pacing is uneven, or that the secondary characters don’t always land. Still, even these criticisms tend to be soft and in the service of a film that is more heartwarming than perfect.
Overall, the consensus sees The Ballad of Wallis Island as a warm, wistful, and soul-soothing film—modest in scope but rich in feeling. It’s not trying to dazzle, but it digs in where it matters: loss, memory, music, human connection. For many, it’s one of the more emotionally satisfying films of 2025.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a quietly charming British comedy-drama directed by James Griffiths, written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, alongside Carey Mulligan. The story centers on Charles, a lonely lottery winner living on a remote Welsh island, who invites his favorite folk duo—Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer—to reunite for a private performance. His motive isn’t just fandom; there are unresolved heartbreaks, nostalgia, and grief behind his idealistic gesture.
Critics are largely enamored with the film’s balance of humor and melancholy. Tim Key’s performance as Charles is praised for being endearingly awkward, verbose, and heart-on-sleeve, often using verbal wit to stave off silence. Basden as Herb, and Mulligan as Nell, deliver subtle, emotionally resonant performances, especially when the old romantic and artistic tensions surface—and you begin to feel what’s been lost, as well as what hope might remain. The original music is another highlight; the songs feel lived in, and the film uses them not as spectacle, but as emotional anchors.
Some reviewers point out that the premise is familiar—a fan’s devotee, reunited artists, romantic regrets—but argue that the execution elevates it.
CRITICS ROUNDUP
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An Ode to Naples (Nostalgia Napoli)
Sun 18 Jan 4:30pm ncp
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The Greeks founded Napoli and it has been invaded, colonised and fought over by the Byzantines, Normans, French, Spanish and Nazis. In the 1800s, it was the third-largest city in Western Europe. This unmatched history is present in everything from the cuisine to the music to the reputation for crime. Styler presents us with all the beauty without ever shying away from the social complexity and challenges the city faces. As a Neapolitan, it feels to me, like the world is finally re-discovering and celebrating this unique, multifaceted city again. After watching this documentary, I cannot imagine it will not be on your itinerary for your next trip to Italy. Paolo Rotondo
Critics Roundup
A soulful portrait of a living city
British actress, producer, and filmmaker (wife of musician Sting) Trudy Styler delves into one of Italy’s most culturally rich, complicated and beautiful cities. Through interviews and with the guidance of Neapolitans like Roberto Saviano (author of the seminal Gomorrah) and actor Francesco Di Leva (Last Night of Amore) Styler reveals aspects of the city that remain unknown to the outside world. Captured with arresting cinematography by Dante Spinotti, and using music collaborations, Styler translates for us the voice of Naples.