The best British movie of 2025 hailed as “special” lands new UK streaming home

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The popular comedy-drama The Ballad of Wallis Island, featuring Tim Key and Carey Mulligan, is now available to stream in the UK. Many consider it to be one of the best British films released in 2025, so it’s definitely worth watching.

The movie is inspired by the 2007 short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island. It stars Tom Basden as Chris Pinner, a musician struggling after a period of success with the folk duo McGwyer Mortimer.

Chris receives an invitation to a secluded island in Wales from Charles Heath, a rich and unusual man who is a big fan of the band McGwyer Mortimer. Heath extends the invitation to Nell Mortimer, the other member of the duo, which upsets Chris.

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You can watch The Ballad of Wallis Island, co-written by Basden and Key and directed by James Griffiths, on Sky Cinema and NOW, but you’ll need a subscription to either service.

The comedy-drama received widespread critical praise when it came out in May, particularly for its writing and acting. Currently, 96% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given it a positive review, based on 140 reviews.

Digital Spy gave The Ballad of Wallis Island a five-star review, calling it the “best British film of the year.” The review also praised the film as a comedy that thoughtfully explores whether it’s possible—or even worthwhile—to recapture things from the past.

I’m a little worried we’re not getting across just how funny this game is. It’s not laugh-out-loud hilarious all the time, but it’s consistently amusing. A huge part of that is Key’s performance – he plays Charles as this really lovable, quirky chatterbox, and it just works.

The Associated Press also offered high praise, noting that while it’s too early to judge how 2025 releases will compare to each other, this particular release is exceptional, regardless of the year.

Critics have praised the film as a heartwarming and gently sad story, offering comfort and a touch of sweetness. The Observer suggested it deserves to be a major summer hit, while The Financial Times described it as a funny yet deeply sincere film.

Sky Cinema and NOW have also recently added several new films, including the historical drama Nuremberg, the quirky thriller Borderline, and the suspenseful All the Devils Are Here.

The Ballad of Wallis Island is streaming on Sky Cinema and NOW.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and this edition honors music superstar Dolly Parton! You can purchase “Dolly at 80” at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-16 13:53