ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Life’s a Beach
When investment-lawyer Pio inherits his father’s estate and acceptance into elite society, he hires rough-edged Amedeo—fresh out of prison—as his driver; the unlikely duo spark chaos, self-discovery and uproarious change in a coastal Italian town.
Director
Gennaro Nunziante
Actors
Pio D’Antini • Amedeo Grieco • Francesca Valtorta • Claudio Bigagli • Nicola Rignanese
1h 30m • Rated M • Comedy • Italy • Eng Subtitles
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
BOOK SEATS FOR
Life’s a Beach
Thu 8 Jan 8:00pm ncp
52 seats left
All tickets must be prepaid online or at the counter.
Sales are subject to our cancellation policy. No phone bookings
ncp - no complimentary passes
cap - captioned for hard of hearing
When his father dies, the family priest assigns a very dodgy, ex-con, Southern Italian chauffeur with a penchant for all the tackiest and most questionable habits that Italy offers. It is a set-up designed for easy laughs, and when matched with the beauty of the Italian countryside, the opulent mansions, stunning seascapes and luxury Italian cars, it’s an unquestionably entertaining watch. With their unashamedly endearing silliness, Pio and Amedeo have satirised with affection the aspects of Italian society that deserve to be made fun of. Paolo Rotondo
Critics Roundup
Gentle coastal chaos with charm to spare
Once again, beloved Italian comedians Pio and Amedeo deliver an unashamedly entertaining film with laughs as their primary objective. Sneakily, however, they manage to make fun of numerous layers of Italian society. It is the story of two men from different sides of the tracks. Pio is the wealthy son of a politically powerful aristocratic family. Consequently, he is profoundly privileged, very elegant and refined, but naive and entirely ill-equipped for ‘real life’.