The Ballad of Wallis Island

On the secluded Wallis Island, a beguiling individual named Charles resides, his wealth amassed through a fortunate lottery win. Often found lost in thought, Charles harbours a deep longing – to hire his cherished musician, Herb McGwyer. For him, Herb's enchanting music can conjure an atmosphere of simple yet profound ecstasy. As Charles fervently reiterates in his mind, having Herb perform a private concert for him on the island would be the ultimate dream. Undisclosed to Herb, however, Charles takes on another aspect, implementing his plan to ensure Herb's presence on the island is not as exclusive as he believes. Quietly, Charles contacts Herb's past bandmate and ex-girlfriend, Nell. Moreover, to add more complexity to the situation, Charles also negotiates with Nell's current husband to secure their participation in the hypothetical concert. Nell, visibly shaken upon hearing the identity of her employer, accepts the offer but conveys her reluctance. Upon being summoned to Charles's remote isle, Herb exhibits the typical energy of an ambitious rock star. Eager to acquire the means to implement his aspirations, he arrives at the island only to discover his past continues to surround him. As emotions begin to unravel, his presence now comes with the peculiarity of Nell's presence, his ex-lover and former bandmate. Understandably, existing animosity stirs from within both characters, blurring the pre-concert dynamics with tense histories. As the ill-tempered storm which follows them looms above, it imperatively unites everyone on the island. Charles remains resolute on making his exclusive concert come to fruition but seemingly disregards the friction that Herb and Nell are engulfed in. Such an oversight subtly impinges upon the chance of a seamless performance, exposing the tumultuous web of friendships that are disrupted. Time moves swiftly, weighing the isolation of being trapped amidst the tempest. Charles frantically endeavours to mediate, even delilberately fanning the flames of old heartbreaks. Furthermore, amidst his pursuit of serenity, the isolation amplifies an onslaught of flashbacks and confessions. Having enlisted Herb and the unwanted duo, Charles inadvertently triggers the onset of a calamitous showdown. Herb strives to stand firm on the precarious precipice of his relationships and the promise of fame amidst intense tumult. Under pressure, he retreats into his role as the ambitious artist, driving him to pursue greater glory. These factors play precariously with pre-existing tensions between Herb and Nell. When they succumb to provoking Nell, her complicated past unaccompanied by her fresh perspective propels conflict and further ignites unresolved heartache between the lovers. While conflict and uncertainty exacerbate, Charles's deliberate exploitation leaves his real reputation highly susceptible. Amidst weather conditions quickly deteriorating, and friendships tested to their limits, his indulgent display of material prosperity appears to be less than ideal. Despite struggling to find personal balance in the wake of destructive tensions, finally seizing Herbert to accept a high price for the now disastrous performance results in the storm ceasing as swiftly as it began.