Musician Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) arrives on the windswept Wallis Island expecting to play an intimate gig organised by eccentric millionaire Charles (Tim Key). On arrival he finds out that not only is Charles going to be the only person in the audience, he has also invited Herb’s ex-partner, in both music and life, Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan).
Basden and Key penned the screenplay, expanded from a short film they made previously made and they have produced a low key wonder. Charles initially comes across as irritating with his incessant lame quipping, but as we spend time with him we learn that he is a lonely man putting on a front of forced bonhomie after not recovering from personal tragedy.
I have enjoyed Key as a comedian before, but I was not prepared for the emotional depth he brings to his part. In fact, the performances are universally good. Mulligan is a fantastic actress and she is perfect for this part, being able to relish her past but able to get beyond it, unlike Herb, who knows that the music he is making now is relatively worthless. Sian Clifford is also fun as the shopkeeper who Charles likes.
Director James Griffiths directs with a non flashy style suited to the material and I found the final few scenes both moving and life affirming.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10