6 Balloons – World Premiere and Red Carpet
SXSW – Zach Theatre, March 12, 2018
Review by Stacey Lovett
Director Marja-Lewis Ryan continues in her theme of casting comical actors in devastating circumstances in her premier feature film 6 Balloons. Abbi Jacobson and Dave Franco both took on different and self-proclaimed terrifying roles in their portrayal of the devastating effects of the opioid crisis in the US as a sister deal with her addict brother and the push and pull of both addiction and enabling it.
Producer Samantha Housman had much to do with both the story and the interpretation of the experience to the audience as the storyline depicted her own actual struggles with her brother’s addiction. Their drive to tell the story was to bring the issue of shame forward sparking an empathy and ultimately help others on both sides of the situation deal and feel less lonely.
As the film unfolds in the course of a day the struggles that they have endured in a lifetime are well depicted, constantly questioning direction and duality of relationships and the synthetic happiness each side uses to cope. The raw, often dirty portrayals of his addiction brings a realness to not only the effects the drug has on an individual but the unsolicited emotional abuse to those surrounding it. Both Franco and Jacobson spoke to the fact that their newfound dramatic roles were hesitant to explore this genre but that Marja-Lewis Ryan coaxed their natural talents out, bonding them through the fear of the unknown. The natural lovability in Franco’s character translated to his character representation of Seth in the film perfectly as that appeal is what keeps Katie (Jacobson) coming back around to him.
The very moving stylistic inserts in the film were derived from Franco’s character as well as he researched – and transformed – for this role extensively. These details of addiction brought it to life and brought about a sense of unease and anxiety among audience members creating discussion after the film just as it was meant to do in the conversation of the opioid crisis. While a few quips of comedic relief were thrown in, they were necessary to break up the depth of the subject and its raw portrayal.
6 Balloons proves both a touching film and a gainful insight into an important issue in our society. The potential seen in both the actors and the storyline demonstrates the understanding for the story to be told and the methods used to convey it moves the film closer into the category of accolades sought out at SXSW.
Synopsis:
Over the course of one night, a woman drives across LA with her heroin addict brother in search of a detox center, with his two year old daughter in tow.
Credits:
6 BALLOONS RED CARPET PHOTO GALLERY
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About the Author and Photographer
