Films revolving around addicts can easily preach too much for their own good, and come off as little more than “Drugs are bad. Stop before you die.” 6 Balloons is not such a movie, it’s as succinct as they come and turns the focus from the addict to the effect his deadly vice has on those around him. If only because of the 74-minute runtime and ease of access as a Netflix original, this is one of the first essential films of the year as a quite literal dive into the life of not only a drug addict but an enabler and how to come out alive
If Abbi Jacobson had not already made a name for herself with her Comedy Central show Broad City, this would be her star-making turn. But it certainly is a groundbreaking role for her, adding her name to the growing list of comedic actors turned drama pros, joining the ranks of co-star Dave Franco who put his drama chops on display in last year’s The Disaster Artist.
The two play sister and brother, Katie and Seth. After some rigorous preparation for Katie’s surprise birthday party for her boyfriend, including grilling from her mother (played by a delightfully chipper Jane Kaczmarek), the party’s derailed when Seth is not ready. Coupled his mother questioning why he has not thanked her for the toy for his daughter Ella (played by twins Charlotte and Madeline Carel), it’s a clear sign to Katie that Seth has once again relapsed.
As Seth’s enabler, Katie makes numerous excuses why she’s running late as the party inches closer. In reality, she’s frantically searching for a detox center during which, more is learned about the struggle of an addict. It’s an expensive addiction on its own, but as Seth faces the reality that he’s hurting not only himself but his toddler daughter, going through a proper cleanse program is even more costly. It’s a virtual economic impossibility placed on those around him, as he’ll also lose his job if he’s gone too long.
Writer-director Marja-Lewis Ryan is preoccupied more with the duality of Seth and Katie more than Seth’s poor habits, toeing the line of sympathy for the two. Katie knows she needs to let go of Seth to save herself — as suggested by her self-help podcast which is well used as a framing device throughout the film. While that will save her from drowning, it will bring down Seth and Ella.
Perhaps the use of Ella is a bit of a cop-out, as it’s all too easy to feel bad for an innocent bystander who’s only starting to put together sentences. But that’s larger point. It’s the ones around addicts, especially those that aren’t even conscious of them, that pay the price as further illustrated by a party missing two of its most vital members.
For as simple as the messaging is on the surface, Ryan fills the screen with inventive devices to push the story to another level in just over an hour. Most notably, the podcast Katie listens to visualizes her literally drowning as Seth’s enabler. While it’s a bit saccharine and a bit obvious to begin, it sticks the landing. Imagining the film without it makes it seem empty, just as leaving out more nuanced comparisons between Seth and Katie, particularly a harrowing sequence in a pharmacy bathroom following Katie buying drugs (in six balloons) for his fix.
On a lighter note, special recognition should be given to the Carel twins and Ray’s editing team. Explained during a post-screening at SXSW, Ray said that all but one line of Ella’s dialogue was candidly captured. When Ella’s talking, it’s to someone off camera. For as random as Ella talks, it works brilliantly, as does Jacobson and Franco’s interactions with her, perhaps out of their experience as comedic actors.
Jacobson and Franco also have a few improvised moments together, bringing in real life inspiration to add color to their on-screen relationship and help push scenes further without intrusive cuts. Quite appropriately, they’re the stars of the show, diving into the darkest corners of the screen with refreshing results that can’t help but the audience but feel the same struggle Katie experiences trying to let go.
6 Balloons is well worth your time at the very least, for its ability to find a new way to tell a tired narrative. It’s a much lighter way to tell Requiem for a Dream.
Overall Grade: 7.5 out of 10
