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33 Newer Products You'll Feel Smug For Owning Before Your Friends

33 Newer Products You'll Feel Smug For Owning Before Your Friends

Buzz Feed24-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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This $99 alternative to the $599 Dyson Airwrap is about to blow your mind *and* blow out your curls.
1. Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, so you can lock in that ridiculously compelling whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel scent *and* protect your skin from razor burn. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am absolutely loving this serum! I t creates the smoothest shave I've ever had, leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. The serum glides on easily, providing a close shave without any irritation or nicks. My razor moves effortlessly, and I'm impressed by how nourished my skin feels afterward. The light, refreshing scent is an added bonus! It's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their shaving routine and enjoy a comfortable, irritation-free experience. Highly recommend!" — Shay
Get it from Amazon for $7.19 (available in three scents).
2. Girl Moments, another beloved stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo, a brand that's made itself famous on TikTok for its cozy, relaxing, easy-to-draw themes. This one is basically like "girl dinner, but make it art."
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Psst — Coco Wyo has a *ton* of other cozy stress relief coloring books with different themes in their Amazon storefront!
Another psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $11.99!
Promising review:"I've always loved coloring, but it had been many years since I last did it. I bought this book to unwind and relax while painting, and it was a great choice! It offers a variety of scenes, making the experience even more engaging. It allows you to explore creativity and experiment with different color combinations from your marker set. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a calming and artistic escape!" — Ally
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
3. Olay Super Serum Body Wash that will make anyone with dry or dull cold weather skin REJOICE — this is packed with niacinamide, shea butter, and collagen peptides to nourish your skin for 24-hour hydration that will make you feel ~luminous~. (Psst — this is the body wash version of their TikTok-famous, super effective facial Super Serum, so you KNOW they mean business.)
Promising review:"I recently tried the Olay Super Serum Body Wash, and I am absolutely in love with it! The formula is incredibly hydrating, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after every use. It lathers beautifully and has a lovely, light fragrance that isn't overpowering. After just a few uses, I noticed my skin looked more radiant and felt deeply moisturized. The addition of serums in the body wash is a game changer my skin feels nourished, and I no longer need to apply lotion right after showering. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxurious, skin-loving body wash!" — Darina
Get it from Amazon for $12.97.
4. Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in *PINK* Honey — aka, the sweet, subtle sister of the iconic "Black Honey" that has been so popular over the past few decades that it just about broke TikTok when it finally had its moment over there. The skin tone-matching, pH-adaptive pink version is every bit as buildable, polished, and decadent feeling as the original black honey, and perfect for everyday makeup looks.
Amazon
The"Almost Lipsticks" are also well-known for working as a subtle lip *and* blush shade for a perfectly dewy, au naturelllll look!
Check out a TikTok of Pink Honey *and* Black Honey in action.
Promising review: "This lip color is a fantastic, no-fuss lip product for those who want a natural, effortless look. It offers the best of both world s— hydrating balm and a hint of color — making it ideal for daily wear. It's perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, lightweight lip option with a natural finish. While it may not be the longest-lasting product, its comfort and versatility make it a great addition to any beauty routine." — The Unexpected Girl Mama
Get it from Amazon for $25 (also available in the OG Black Honey).
5. A Skims-like, delightfully affordable sweetheart neckline bodysuit bound to become your new favorite ~going out~ top — this versatile little number not only tucks seamlessly into all your favorite pants and skirts, but is double-layered and ultra soft for support and comfort.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This bodysuit is amazing! The material is not sheer. The thong portion is surprisingly comfortable, which is a big plus. I'm pretty sure I need it in every color now! The price is reasonable, and the fabric is warm and comfortable. Highly recommend!" — Emily Kahle
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and ten colors).
6. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Peach Slices is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products.
Promising review:"I use these once a week and they really help my huge nose pores look way smaller and cleaner. The first time, I still had some oil and gunk in my pores, but the second time, I had even less. By the third time I used them, the only oil was on the patch, and my nose has never looked better. My pores appear smaller, and my nose is smoother." — Sarah Cavasos
Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $9.98.
7. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it " gold in a jar" and " witchcraft."
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want to do. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower and although it doesn't look brand-new like I was hoping, it's 10 times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess
Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99.
8. A suuuuper easy to use Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron with automatic curling technology similar to the $599 (!!) Dyson Airwrap that not only creates (LITERALLY) effortless curls, but is designed with a ceramic heat barrel that makes them hold up the whole day.
Promising review:"This automatic 1-inch ceramic curling iron has completely transformed my hair routine. The rotating feature makes it incredibly easy to use — no more awkward wrist twists or worrying about uneven curls. It creates beautiful, long-lasting curls with just a press of a button! The ceramic barrel is a game-changer, leaving my hair smooth and shiny without any frizz. The 1-inch size is perfect for creating loose, natural-looking curls that last all day. I also love how quick it heats up and how easy it is to adjust the temperature for different hair types. Overall, this curling iron is a must-have for anyone looking to create effortless, professional-looking curls at home." — Shawn H.
Get it from Amazon for $99.
9. A 4-ounce *travel* size of the wildly-beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, a hypochlorous acid spray designed to target the bacteria that causes acne and redness. Now you can carry it conveniently in a bag, purse, or car for midday spritzes and keep your skin barrier supported and flare-ups contained.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Tower 28 is a small business that specializes in beauty products for sensitive skin.
Promising review: "I work out a lot and have a very active job. I keep one in my gym bag and one in my work bag. I spray it straight after a sweat session and during my breaks at work. Not only does it keep my breakouts at bay, but it's so fresh and cooling on hot days." — Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $12.
10. An airtight Deli ProKeeper that is actually the *updated* version of the wildly TikTok-viral original ProKeeper — not only does keep your deli meat and cheese *super* fresh and free up space and clutter in your fridge, but the updated version is fully transparent so you can easily see the contents, and has grooves at the bottom to keep moisture off your items.
Amazon
Promising review: "Best cold cuts storage ever! I've used this container for storing sliced cheeses and sliced deli meats and I absolutely love it! Keeps them fresher longer and looks nicer sitting in the refrigerator! Win win!!" — Mandolin Buglar
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in four styles).
11. And a hybrid berry basket and colander designed not just to make cleaning your fruit way easier, but to keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible, so you can snack on your farmers market haul without racing the clock.
Promising review: "My blueberries stay fresh and crisp in this container, rather than the familiar fate of becoming soggy and moldy! I love how I can wash the berries in the strainer, pop it into the basket, and then look forward to the BEST blueberries EVER!!!!!" — Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
12. A set of classic bamboo mini crew socks giving "cozy, but sophisticated." These are soft and breathable without being overly bulky, making them *fashion's kiss* perfect to pair with Uggs, Birkenstocks, and an elevated sneaker.
Amazon
Promising review:"These socks feel soooo luxurious!! I've washed them a few time already and they still are very soft, and look brand new." — Amazon Customer
Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99 (available in eight styles of packs).
13. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes.
Amazon
Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of ligh t. I love them. I would highly recommend. I'll probably never sleep without them again." — AJ
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in seven sets).
14. A wildly impressive handled BrüMate tumbler designed with a completely leakproof straw lid that might be actual witchcraft, and ~BevGuard insulation~ that will keep drinks ice cold for over 24 hours. Finally, a ginormous emotional support tumbler that not only fits in your car's cup holder, but can get tossed into your bag worry-free!
BrüMate is a small business that specializes in mugs, tumblers, coolers, and other insulated products.
Bonus – this is dishwasher-safe!
Promising review:"The BrüMate is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking for a reliable drink container. I ts 100% leakproof design means you can confidently toss it into your bag without worrying about spills, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The durability is outstanding; it holds up well against daily wear and tear, maintaining its sleek look and performance. Most impressively, it keeps beverages cold for a full 24 hours. Whether you're hiking, at the office, or relaxing by the pool, the BrüMate is the ultimate companion for keeping your drinks icy cold. Highly recommend!" — Horace Dixon
Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in 22 colors and two sizes).
15. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer, aka the answer to any money-conscious coffee lover's prayers — this version is not only cheaper and more portable than comparable models on the market, but WAY faster making cold brew without compromising on flavor. I'm talking five minutes as opposed to overnight, like other pitchers take — and it doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯
Amazon
You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water.
Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
16. Lawless's "Forget The Filler" that's basically like Laneige's repairing lip sleep mask, but if it also worked to make your lips fuller. You can wear it for overnight hydration *and* plumping thanks to a blend of shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and a stimulating peptide complex. It's like "lip filler, but make it subtle (and also don't pay a zillion dollars for it)" — plus it comes in a BIRTHDAY CAKE flavor.
www.amazon.com, www.instagram.com
Promising review: "Really makes a difference. First overnight treatment I've used where my lips genuinely feel hydrated and plumper in the morning. I'm pleasantly surprised — I bought this on a whim after a rec from The Strategist and almost canceled the order. Now I use it every night!" — Hilary
Get it from Amazon for $22 (available in four flavors).
17. A handy magnetic silicone stove top shelf so you can win back some extra surface area in your kitchen and use it to store handy things like spices, utensils, and the little goblin that comes out every time you open Seamless to say, "We have food at home!"
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Teo is a small business that specializes in home goods and decor.
Promising review: "Who doesn't love counter space? WOO, a new place for the oil, salt and pepper shakers, and beloved spices to live that doesn't take up coveted counter or cupboard space. Plus, it looks great! I'm very happy with this purchase." — Redbomb
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors).
18. A set of Tide Sink Packs you can use to do laundry right in the sink, whether you're traveling or need to get some items clean in a quick pinch. Now the WHOLE WORLD is your laundry machine!!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are perfect for the one-item sink cleaning that occurs when traveling. I highly recommend it for those travel excursions where you want to clean one or two clothing items." — LIFE_COMPOSED
Get a pack of three (with three mini loads each) for $6.35.
19. A convertible folding sofa bed so obscenely cozy that once you claim it as your reading nook/nap corner, you may never pry yourself out of it again. Is "sofa bed" a legal address? Asking for a friend.
Promising review: "This is such a comfortable chair or bed! I was very happy with my purchase. You won't go wrong if you are looking for comfort or if you need to even save space. I highly recommend this." — danny
Get it from Amazon for $129 (available in eight colors).
20. A set of hair tie bracelets designed to look like *actual* jewelry, so you won't be kicking yourself when you realize you left a hair tie on your wrist for every photo.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I love these! These add the cutest touch to any outfit. They make you feel better about wearing a hair tie on your wrist. And they function great as both a hair tie and a bracelet! Not too tight to wear as either. Love them!" — Tiara Scheurell
Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in eight styles).
21. A goth popcorn maker and bowl for anyone who wants an extra side of spook with their saltiness. This silicone skull is so easy to use that you can pour in the kernels, pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, and get eight cups of freshly popped popcorn without even having to use oil!
Amazon
Promising review: "This has got to be one of my favorite purchases of the entire year. It's absolutely perfect in every single way. P erfect size, perfect cook every single time, perfect little skully face. Incredibly simple to use and clean. I can't rave about this thing enough. Absolutely fantastic!" — Kelsi E McCoy
Get it from Amazon for $11.89.
22. First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads, a set of compostable (!!) beauty prep pads you can use before putting on makeup to gently tone and exfoliate your skin, making it the ultimate primer for getting the most out of your foundation. Bonus — unlike a lot of toning products, these are super gentle and sensitive skin-friendly!
Amazon
Promising review: "I love this product! It definitely is worth the price. Helps clear my skin and smoothes my skin texture. No smell or fragrance. I used it daily after washing my face. This is part of my staple." — Susan Bean
"As I'm aging my skin is changing and feels a little rougher. I saw these on TikTok and thought I'd give them a try and was not disappointed. I use this when I get out of the shower to really help scrub away and dead skin, and it does leave my face feeling smoother. It is a bit pricey but I feel like it did last me a while." — Emily Bianca
Get a set of 28 from Amazon for $18.
23. A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious (far more AFFORDABLE!!) cocktail in one minute.
Sayso is a woman-owned small business that specializes in the first-ever cocktail tea bag, perfect for cocktails *and* mocktails.
Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical when I purchased, but these are actually fantastic. The taste is great and the bags make it incredibly easy to mix up what would otherwise be complex cocktails quickly and easily. I've had the spicy marg, espresso martini, and old fashioned versions, and while they aren't exactly the same as the original they are wonderful for making yourself a cocktail at home. Highly recommend." — Meredith
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktail styles and larger packs).
24. Ninja's new *portable* Crispi Air Fryer system, perfect for people with high foodie standards and a chaotic schedule. This "all-in-one system" cooks your food in the same container you eat from, so you can pop your meal into the air fryer, cook it, and either pack it for later or eat it right out of the container.
Amazon, www.instagram.com
Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action.
Each air fryer comes with the"PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface without worrying!
Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $179.99 (available in three colors).
25. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Milky Leave-In Conditioner to not only defrizz your hair, soften it, and protect it from heat, but to leave you smelling like the oh -so-scrumptious, wildly-beloved Cheirosa 62 "sunshine" fragrance — you know, that pistachio, jasmine, and vanilla scent that has the OG Bum Bum Cream and Hair & Body Mists constantly on the verge of selling out.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers also use this as an easy detangler both for themselves and for their kiddos!
Check out a TikTok of Sol de Janeiro leave-in conditioner in action.
Promising review: "Perfect hair day every day! This spray is both beautiful and fragrant! It leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed, while the scent is absolutely delightful. A must-have for anyone looking to add shine and a lovely fragrance to their hair routine!" — charlotte
Get it from Amazon for $28.
26. A cordless portable bath jet spa to turn any boring bathtub into a hotel-worthy oasis — simply attach this under the spout and you can activate "jet mode" or "bubble mode" and live your best, bougiest bath life.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This lil' thing rocks! I didn't think it would be as powerful as it is, but my tub time now is sooo relaxing. It makes bubbles well as soothe you with that jet stream. If you like to soak for your health. I highly recommend this Lil power house. Worth every penny." — TabbiJCMA
Get it from Amazon for $76.99 (available in three colors).
27. A trash and grocery bag dispenser so you can finally bring some order to the Angry Loose Bag Cloud stuffed under your sink, and make it a lot easier to grab a quick bag on the go. This hooks easily to the back of a cabinet door, so it saves space, too!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I absolutely love this dispenser! It's incredibly well-made, durable, and thoughtfully designed. The quality is top-notch, and it blends functionality with style perfectly. It makes storing and dispensing trash bags so easy and organized, and it fits great into my kitchen. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for convenience and quality." — Paul C.
Get it from Amazon for $35.99.
28. An absolutely darling satin ribbon bow bookmark with such irresistible Belle vibes that it'll be a miracle if all your local pots and pans don't start singing to you as you pass.
All Smiles by Amber Inez/Etsy
All Smiles by Amber Inez is a Minnesota-based Etsy shop that specializes in book accessories.
Promising review:"This seller truly went above and beyond. The packaging that the bookmark came in was so beautiful and safe for mail. I loved opening it. The bookmarks are so cute and exactly as pictured and described. It also came with two color matching stickers. So fun! Highly recommend! Thanks so much!" — Becca Schae
Get it from All Smiles by Amber Inez on Etsy for $8 (available in 12 colors).
29. A chic hidden toilet paper storage holder you can stash on your bathroom counter or on top of the toilet. Bonus — this helps cover protect toilet paper rolls from any splashing from the shower or the sink!
Amazon
YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions.
This is also a great spot to tuck away sanitary napkins, tampons, wipes, and odor-canceling sprays!
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
30. A set of minifigure- and brick-compatible Lego highlighters so you can trick yourself into studying by letting yourself "build" little things on top of the highlighter with every chapter you get through.
Amazon
Promising review:"Absolutely love these. Colors are bright and don't fade. Perfect for any ADHD student. Having these to fiddle with and stick together during class is a lifesaver. Keeps my attention on the lesson and I don't need to bring anything else to class that doesn't look like school materials. I have gotten lots of compliments." — Natalie kehr
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
31. A cleverly designed snackle box with a split design handle for quicker access to the compartments, easier cleaning, and wayyy more portability. This is an excellent option for travel snacks, picnics, potlucks, and even to transport smaller non-food objects like crafts and hobby supplies.
www.amazon.com
Trust Bliss is a small business that specializes in food storage products.
Promising review: "Well built. I used this to take a salad bar to a family dinner. It was exactly what I needed." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
32. A leopard print boot mug so that one coworker in your office who's always like, "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize this was *your* mug" will officially have met their match. 😎
Urban Outfitters
Promising review:"Such a cute mug. Great quality, and it's dishwasher safe, which is a bonus." — doubleddanielle
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $16 (originally $20).
33. E.l.f.'s "Perfect 10" Eyeshadow Palette for a blend of smoky, shimmering, and ethereal earthy shades you can blend and build like a dream. It's the perfect low risk, high reward palette for experimenting if you're new to eyeshadow, and for traveling if you want to pack light!
Amazon
Promising review:"Amazing quality and a great price. The colors are perfect for any time of year and have great pigment." — dana guckin
Get it from Amazon for $10.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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But fortunately, life is all about second chances (a theme of the movie itself), and now this heartfelt movie is available to stream on Peacock or via PVOD on platforms like Amazon and Apple. If you were one of the many who didn't get to catch 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' in cinemas earlier this year, I strongly implore you to seek it out on streaming, because it's something very special. Here's why I love it so much. Charles Heath (Tim Key) is a reclusive lottery winner, living on the eponymous Wallis Island off the coast of Wales. He's also the world's biggest superfan of folk music duo McGwyer Mortimer. Unfortunately, the band, made up of Herby McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), who were previously romantically involved, broke up 10 years ago, and haven't played a show together live since. Using his lottery winnings, Charles convinces them to both come to the island, reunite, and play a very intimate concert for an audience of one. Once on the island, old tensions flare up, and McGwyer and Mortimer find themselves grappling with their past and their present. They also have to tolerate Charles' fawning fandom and personality quirks. Eventually, the increasing tensions between the pair put the dream gig under threat. 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' wormed its way into my affections almost immediately. That's thanks in large part to the comedic brilliance of Tim Key. The flick opens with McGwyer arriving on the island in a small boat with a giddy Charles welcoming his hero, and this brilliant scene sets the tone. From the off, one thing becomes immediately apparent: Charles just cannot shut up. He is a persistent babbler and fills every silence with a running stream of nonsense. Loads of his lines had the entire audience in my local theatres laughing out loud, but as the movie progresses, we slowly peel back the layers and learn there's more to Charles than just his extreme levels of fandom. Charles very quickly became my favorite character of the movie, partially because he's just hilariously funny, with Key's sense of comedic timing second to none. But also because when it becomes clear exactly why he loves McGwyer Mortimer's music so much, I almost shed a tear (almost, I swear). The folk music duo themselves have more than a little bit of Fleetwood Mac about them. And when they are reunited on Wallis Island for the first time in a decade, there's a heavy distance between them. But this slowly erodes as they get back into the swing of playing music together and fondly reminisce on the past. However, the fact that Mortimer now has an American husband (Akemnji Ndifornyen) only adds to the underlying tension. I'm not a folk music fan per se (Taylor Swift's Folkmore duology is about as far into the genre as my Spotify playlists dip), but the musical element fits the tone perfectly. The original McGwyer Mortimer tunes are a surprise highlight and are performed by Basden and Mulligan. There's a lot more to 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' than just cringetastic humor from Charles' foibles and inability to stop talking for even a moment; there's a real melancholic nature about the movie. This element shines through most brightly via McGwyer, a cynical character, whose solo career is stalling, forcing him to create 'commercial' music he has no passion for. His time on Wallis Island and the chance to reconnect with his old partner begin to change his outlook and his sweetheart slowly starts to shine through. This arc, while hardly original, really works wonders. I also have to give kudos to 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' for not playing out exactly as I expected. In the first act, I rather arrogantly, perhaps, assumed I had the whole movie mapped out beat-for-beat, but instead, it takes a more unexpected (and very welcome) route. There's no shocking twist or anything of that nature, but the ending is a little more wistful than I anticipated. 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' is a tender comedy-drama, filled with likeable characters (even if they take a little while to warm up), beautifully understated music and a heartfelt story. Basden, Mulligan and especially Key are all fantastic, and by the end, you'll be wishing that you could take a trip to the remote (fictional) Wallis Island to nourish your soul and meet Charles. You don't need to just take my word for it that 'The Ballade of Wallis Island' is worth streaming. The movie currently holds a near-perfect 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This rating comes from more than 100 reviews and has earned the movie a Certified Fresh seal. 'The Ballad of Wallis Island hums along a sweet melody without lapsing into outright sentimentality, mining a great deal of warmth from its humble premise,' reads the site's 'Critics Consensus,' and viewers agree, rating it an equally impressive 93%. These scores speak to the movie's quality and how effectively it charms you. It's such a special little movie, and I'm hoping its arrival on streaming opens it up to a richly deserved wider audience. I can't wait to rewatch it on Peacock, and it's now entered my rotation of comfort movies I turn to on rainy days. If somehow all this praise hasn't convinced you to give 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' a watch (do you have a heart made of stone?), check out my full roundup of the top new movies arriving across streaming services. But if you want to save some time, just go watch this one now, it's a comfort blanket of a movie that will have you reflecting on your life and lost loves.

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