Watch 6 Balloons
- TV-MA
- 2018
- 1 hr 14 min
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5.9 (4,529)
6 Balloons is a 2018 American drama film that tells the story of Katie, a young woman who struggles to help her brother Seth, a heroin addict. The film stars Abbi Jacobson as Katie, Dave Franco as Seth, and Charlotte Carel as the couple's mother. The film takes place over the course of one night as Katie drives around Los Angeles searching for a detox facility that will take her brother in. Along the way, she deals with Seth's addiction, his dangerous and unpredictable behavior, and the toll it's taking on her own life.
The movie opens with Katie preparing a birthday party for her boyfriend, but her plans are quickly derailed when she receives a call from her mother, who tells her that Seth has relapsed and needs help. Despite the fact that she's already running late for the party, Katie decides to pick up her brother and take him to a detox facility.
As the night wears on, Seth's condition worsens, and it becomes increasingly clear that he's not ready to get help. Katie becomes more and more frustrated with his behavior, but she finds it impossible to walk away from him. Throughout the film, we see flashbacks of the siblings growing up together, and we get a sense of the deep bond between them.
One of the strongest aspects of the film is how it portrays addiction. The movie shows the ugly side of substance abuse, from the physical symptoms of withdrawal to the emotional toll it takes on loved ones. The movie doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, including relapse, lying, and stealing, but it does so in a way that feels honest and raw.
Another strength of 6 Balloons is the chemistry between Jacobson and Franco. The two actors work well together, and their performances feel authentic and unforced. Jacobson brings a sense of urgency and determination to her role, while Franco gives a nuanced portrayal of a man who is struggling with his addiction but can't seem to shake it.
The film also benefits from strong supporting performances, particularly from Charlotte Carel as the siblings' mother. Carel does an excellent job of conveying the pain and frustration of a parent who has watched her child battle addiction for years.
The movie's pacing is another noteworthy aspect. Despite taking place over the course of just one night, the film never feels rushed or forced. Director Marja-Lewis Ryan allows the story to unfold at its own pace, giving viewers time to absorb the emotional weight of the narrative.
Overall, 6 Balloons is a powerful and affecting film that shines a light on the devastating effects of addiction. Although the subject matter is heavy, the movie ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest of times, there is still a chance for redemption. The movie is well-written, well-acted, and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of addiction.
6 Balloons is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 66.