COMING SOON
Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story
This intimate documentary traces the life and career of Don McGlashan, one of Aotearoa’s most influential songwriters, from post-punk beginnings through iconic bands and solo work. Through music, memories and reflection, it reveals an artist whose songs have shaped the emotional soundtrack of generations.
Director
Shirley Horrocks (Peter Peryer: The Art of Seeing)
With
Documentary participants
1h 28m • Rated E • Documentary, Music • Aotearoa/NZ
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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Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story
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cap - captioned for hard of hearing
What makes the film such a rewarding cinema experience is its generosity of spirit. Shirley Horrocks’ direction invites audiences into McGlashan’s creative world with humility and warmth, making the documentary accessible even to those unfamiliar with his music. Long-time fans will find resonance and nostalgia, while newcomers are offered a graceful introduction to a uniquely local voice with universal appeal. Anchor Me is uplifting, gently inspiring and deeply affectionate — a film that honours creativity, longevity and the quiet power of songs that stay with you long after the final note fades.
Film Notes
A moving celebration of a songwriter whose words became part of our national voice.
Anchor Me: The Don McGlashan Story unfolds as a warm, reflective journey through the life of a musician whose work has quietly permeated New Zealand culture. The film follows McGlashan from his early days in bands like Blam Blam Blam and The Mutton Birds through to his acclaimed solo career, weaving together archival footage, performances and personal reflections. Rather than focusing solely on fame or milestones, it paints a portrait of an artist driven by curiosity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to place, revealing how songs emerge from everyday observation and emotional honesty.