ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The War of the Nonni
A heartwarming generational comedy where mischievous grandparents clash, connive, and compete in a suburban standoff. When two families collide through marriage plans and clashing traditions, the “nonnis” dig in, armed with stubborn pride, secret alliances, and decades of accumulated family wisdom (and nonsense). Chaos ensues, but so does tenderness, as rivalry slowly bends toward unity and affection.
Director
Gianluca Ansanelli
Actors
Vincenzo Salemme • Max Tortora • Bianca Guaccero • Francesco Di Leva
1h 30m • Rated M • Comedy • Italy (2023) • 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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The War of the Nonni
Sun 11 Jan 4:30pm ncp
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Grandpa Tom (Max Tortora) is everything Gerri is not: permissive, charismatic, funny, and indulgent, but also irresponsible. As often happens with men’s egos, they soon resort to competing, escalating into a heated clash. Their hilarious attempt to win over the children’s attention, affection and favour and prove their ‘superiority in grand fatherliness’ are comic fuel to the fire. Shot in the leafy neighbourhoods around Rome, The War of the Nonni possesses observations that will genuinely relate to all ages. Paolo Rotondo
Critics Roundup
Warm, playful, and proudly sentimental
The culture clash between families thrust together by marriage is often mined for comedic potential, but films rarely have so much fun with the grandparent’s perspective. It is the story of Gerri (Vincenzo Salemme), the hugely caring, attentive, thoughtful, but doting grandfather who would do anything for his grandchildren… even if he is a bit stuffy and old-fashioned. When circumstance brings ‘the other’ grandfather to live with them and share the care of ‘his’ grandchildren, he is thrown into a tailspin.