Balloon Animal

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Balloon Animal

2022

1h 28m

Drama

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4 Reviews

100%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

Rachel West

AWFJ.org

04/20/2023

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.

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Anne Brodie

What She Said

04/07/2023

3/4

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

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Josh Bell

Crooked Marquee

04/04/2023

B-

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

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Alex Saveliev

Film Threat

09/07/2022

7/10

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.

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04/12/2023

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!

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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: Katherine Waddell, Ruvi Leider, Monica O'Hara
Screenwriter: Em Johnson
Production Co: Slated, First Bloom Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 7, 2023
Runtime: 1h 28m

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