Pets On A Train
A runaway train full of pets becomes the site of a daring animal-led rescue mission as a roguish raccoon and a justice-driven police dog team up to save their friends from an impending crash.
DIRECTOR
Benoît Daffis & Jean-Christian Tassy (Falcon Express)
VOICES
Wyatt Bowen • Tristan D. Lalla • Angela Galuppo • Chimwemwe Miller • Mark Camacho
1h 27m • Rated PG • Animation, Adventure, Family • France/USA
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
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some reviewers felt the plot lacks depth, describing it as “predictable” with familiar tropes of redemption and teamwork. The film’s thematic ambitions were seen as modest, and a few critics suggested it may not hold much appeal for older viewers seeking more nuanced storytelling. Overall though, the consensus leans mildly positive: PETS ON A TRAIN offers a fun, harmless ride for kids and families, even if it doesn’t wholly break new ground in the animated genre.
CRITICS ROUNDUP
A fun-filled animal adventure that thrills younger viewers with colourful escapades.
Critics describe PETS ON A TRAIN as an energetic and colourful family adventure that delivers on cute characters and inventive set-pieces. The film’s lively animation and ensemble of anthropomorphic pets garnered praise, especially for its visual appeal and lighthearted tone. Reviewers noted that the sequence of events — a high-speed train takeover and daring animal escape — provides enough suspense to keep younger audiences engaged without tipping into genuine fear. Some highlighted the character of Falcon, the raccoon, as a standout: mischievous yet relatable, he anchors the narrative emotionally.