Thomas Mollison just wants a normal teenage life. Having an older brother who is severely autistic makes this seem like an impossible dream.

Awarded the Crystal Bear at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival for Best Feature within the Generation 14 Programme, the Australian movie The Black Balloon will impact audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Director and co-writer Elissa Down draws on her own experience growing up with two autistic brothers to create an extremely believable and sympathetic family with whom viewers will laugh and cry.

The Black Balloon Synopsis

16-year old Thomas Mollison (Rhys Wakefield) just wants an average life. His older brother, Charlie (Luke Ford), has autism and ADHD and the functioning of the entire family revolves around providing him with a safe, secure environment.

At his new school, Thomas meets Jackie Masters (Gemma Ward). When Thomas and Charlie’s pregnant mother Maggie (Toni Collette) is confined to bed rest, Thomas must take additional responsibility for his brother, at the likely cost of his developing relationship with Jackie.

Themes and Preoccupations of The Black Balloon

Many teenagers are embarrassed by their parents and family, but Thomas has the additional embarrassment of having an older brother that behaves like a toddler, complete with star reward chart and a monkey ears cap which acts as his security blanket.

An early scene has Charlie, dressed in his monkey ears cap, underpants and sports shoes, escaping through the front door, which has been left carelessly unlocked. Viewers will both laugh and cringe with embarrassment as Thomas, barefoot and dressed in his pyjama boxer shorts, chases Charlie through the streets near their home.

The complex nature of relationships within a family where one member has a severe disability is highlighted brilliantly as Thomas tries to reconcile his affection for his brother with the frustration his behaviour causes, the hurt of constantly being overlooked as Charlie’s needs come first and the guilt of hating his brother at times and wishing that he was normal.

Thomas’ father, Simon (Erik Thomson), plays a less significant role than his mother Maggie (Toni Collette) whose strength, love and commitment holds the family together.

As the movie reaches its climax, viewers will find themselves sharing Thomas’ anguish, feeling sympathy for Maggie as she tries to balance the demands of providing for the physical and emotional needs of both of her sons, and feeling compassion for Charlie, whose problems and issues are not of his own choosing.

The lack of compassion shown some of the neighbours and the mocking attitude of Thomas’ classmates will leave modern audiences frustrated. It can only be hoped that modern society would have a less critical and more supportive and informed attitude.

Outstanding Performance by Luke Ford

While the storyline largely focuses on Thomas, the outstanding talent is Luke Ford, who plays his role of Charlie with incredible ability and finesse. He maintains the many physical and behavioural traits common to autism throughout every scene and is entirely convincing in his role.

The realism of his performance is a hinge pin for the believability of the movie and the impact of the emotional and relational conflicts for the other characters.

Highly Recommended

Mild bad language may offend some viewers, however it is a minor irritation only. Early 80s decor and fashion will provide some amusing moments for those with memories of Australia during that era.

An emotionally draining and confronting movie, The Black Balloon is highly recommended for anyone with any connection or interest in autism or for any viewer looking for a movie with depth and complexity.

Production Information

• Director: Elissa Down
• Writer: Elissa Down, Jimmy Jack
• Release Date: 6th March 2008
• Run Time: 97 minutes
• Australian Rating: M
• Starring:
• Toni Collette – Maggie Mollison
• Luke Ford – Charlie Mollison
• Rhys Wakefield – Thomas Mollison
• Erik Thomson – Simon Mollison
• Gemma Ward – Jackie Masters