The Black Balloon poster

The Black Balloon (2008)

"Sometimes it's hard to be the odd one in."

6.4 ★20081h 37mEN
Drama

Directed by Elissa Down

Rating

6.4/10

Runtime

1h 37m

Language

EN

Release

March 8, 2008

Director

Elissa Down

Official Trailer

Trailer thumbnail

Overview

Thomas is turning 16. His dad's in the army and they've just moved to a town in New South Wales; his mom is pregnant; his older brother, Charlie, who's autistic, has his own adolescent sexual issues. Thomas finds Charlie an embarrassment in public, so when Thomas is attracted to Jackie, a girl in hi...

Cast

Rhys Wakefield

Rhys Wakefield

Thomas Mollison

Luke Ford

Luke Ford

Charlie Mollison

Toni Collette

Toni Collette

Maggie Mollison

Erik Thomson

Erik Thomson

Simon Mollison

Gemma Ward

Gemma Ward

Jackie Masters

Sarah Woods

Sarah Woods

Woman Next Door

Sam Fraser

Sam Fraser

Kid Next Door

Zelie Bullen

Zelie Bullen

Mother in Van

Anthony Phelan

Anthony Phelan

Mr. Masters

Deborah Piper

Deborah Piper

Janet-Social Worker

Henry Nixon

Henry Nixon

Trevor-Social Worker

Rebecca Massey

Rebecca Massey

Miss Babb

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into The Black Balloon (2008), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

Thomas is turning 16. His dad's in the army and they've just moved to a town in New South Wales; his mom is pregnant; his older brother, Charlie, who's autistic, has his own adolescent sexual issues. Thomas finds Charlie an embarrassment in public, so when Thomas is attracted to Jackie, a girl in his swim class, Charlie presents any number of obstacles when she drops by their house, when the three of them go for a walk, and during a family birthday dinner. Can Thomas find a way to enter the world of teen romance and still be his brother's keeper, or is Charlie's disability going to prove more than Thomas can handle?

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of The Black Balloon. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals.

Related Movies

Latest Reviews & Explanations

In-depth reviews, endings explained & more

All Reviews

1 Discussion