Balloon Animal

2022

1h 28m

Drama

List

100%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

100%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

A young circus performer, Poppy Valentine, is stuck under the harsh demands of her father and their community's expectations. But while on a quick night out to let loose and have some fun with her friends, she finds herself captivated by small-town America, which then forces her to question everything.

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Premiered Apr 01

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Rachel West

AWFJ.org

In Em Johnson’s Balloon Animal, circus life gets a fresh and sweet take as it serves as the backdrop for a young woman’s coming-of-age story.

Apr 20, 2023

Full Review

Hope Madden

The Screening Room Podcast

Beautiful, moody indie benefitting from two excellent performances

Rated: 4/5

Apr 8, 2023

Full Review

Anne Brodie

What She Said

Em Johnson’s Balloon Animal transcendent; her work is flawless and revealing, somber and reflective of the way life can suddenly stand up and slap us. It's transforming and emotional, quiet and packs a helluva punch

Rated: 3/4

Apr 7, 2023

Full Review

Josh Bell

Crooked Marquee

The movie is a bit meandering and shapeless, but the individual elements are strong, especially the bittersweet atmosphere of the dismantled circus.

Rated: B-

Apr 4, 2023

Full Review

Alex Saveliev

Film Threat

Balloon Animal is a simple tale with next-to-no embellishments, both visually and thematically, which is quite a feat for a film that revolves around a circus.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 7, 2022

Full Review

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Lara K

Amazing film about staying true to yourself and aiming for what you believe and want.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/24/23

Full Review

Super cute indie and coming of age film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/18/23

Full Review

Ben D

This is a low-budget Indy film, but do't let that turn you off. This movie was invited to more than two dozen festivals and won a variety of awards in different categories. Watch this movie to see an exciting new talent, Katherine Waddell. You will see her again and again in future films. The script and direction are also worthy of praise, as are the supporting cast members, especially Ilia Volok, who turned in a super solid performance. Worth the paltry rental price.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/12/23

Full Review

Zack L

A great film about staying true to yourself, amidst the familial and societal pressures surrounding you. Loved the art direction and fantastic lead acting from Poppy. A star in the making!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A great film about staying true to yourself, amidst the familial and societal pressures surrounding you. Loved the art direction and fantastic lead acting from Poppy. A star in the making!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/23

Full Review

Em J

Love the movie and would watch it again. Simple, but effective coming of age drama.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/11/23

Full Review

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Em Johnson

Director

Katherine Waddell

Poppy Valentine

Ilia Volok

Dark Valetine

Michael David Wilson

Actor

Danielle Baez

Lala Dean

Erin Rae Li

Sadie

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Synopsis

A young circus performer, Poppy Valentine, is stuck under the harsh demands of her father and their community's expectations. But while on a quick night out to let loose and have some fun with her friends, she finds herself captivated by small-town America, which then forces her to question everything.

Director: Em Johnson
Producer: Matthew Helderman, Luke Dylan Taylor, Nikki Stier Justice, Greg Gertmenian, Katherine Waddell, Lillian Todd, Gene Hasek
Screenwriter: Em Johnson
Production Co: First Bloom Films, Slated
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 7, 2023
Runtime: 1h 28m

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