6 Balloons

About 6 Balloons

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

6 Balloons is a 2018 independent drama film directed by Marja-Lewis Ryan. The film explores the challenges of addiction and portrays the struggle of a sister trying to help her brother get clean. It stars Abbi Jacobson as Katie, the sister, and Dave Franco as Seth, the brother.

The film takes place over the course of one night and mainly focuses on Katie's efforts to deal with Seth's relapse and their journey to find a detox center. As the night progresses, Katie's frustration and desperation mount as she tries to balance her own life and responsibilities with her brother's addiction.

Making / Production

6 Balloons was written and directed by Marja-Lewis Ryan. She was inspired to make the film after her own experiences with addiction and witnessed the devastating effects it had on her loved ones. Ryan aimed to bring a raw and honest portrayal of addiction to the screen, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on both the addict and their family.

The film was produced by Samantha Housman and Channing Tatum. They ensured that the production had a small budget, allowing Ryan creative control and the ability to bring her vision to life without too much interference. This helped maintain the intimate and authentic feel of the film.

Actors

• Abbi Jacobson as Katie - Jacobson delivers a compelling performance as a sister torn between her responsibilities and her desire to help her brother.
• Dave Franco as Seth - Franco portrays the character of Seth with honesty and vulnerability, capturing the desperation and denial that often accompanies addiction.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot in just 17 days, adding to the sense of urgency and immediacy in the story.
• Abbi Jacobson, known for her comedic roles in shows like Broad City, took on the challenging dramatic role of Katie to showcase her versatility as an actress.
• The film's title, 6 Balloons, refers to an important scene where Katie discovers her brother has relapsed by finding six deflated balloons in his car, which are commonly used for heroin.

Awards

6 Balloons received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and realistic portrayal of addiction. While it did not win any major awards, it was praised for its emotional depth and storytelling.

Quotes

• "Addiction can make you do crazy things, but family can make you do even crazier things." - Katie
• "Sometimes the hardest part is letting go and realizing you can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved." - Katie

Music / Soundtrack

• The film features a minimalistic score composed by Heather McIntosh, which intensifies the emotional impact of the story.
• Some notable tracks on the soundtrack include "For Emma" by Bon Iver and "East Harlem" by Beirut, which complement the film's themes of struggle and resilience.