---
title: "The Black Balloon"
year: 2008
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-black-balloon-2008"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 8747
imdb_id: "tt0865297"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 97
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 97
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# The Black Balloon (2008) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-black-balloon-2008

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Black Balloon is a 2008 Australian comedy-drama film directed and written with a cast that includes Toni Collette, Rhys Wakefield, Luke Ford, Erik Thomson, Gemma Ward, and a group of newcomers. The film follows Thomas, who is turning sixteen around the time his father, who is in the army, moves the family to a new town in New South Wales. Thomas has a pregnant mother and an older brother named Charlie, who is autistic and dealing with his own adolescent sexual issues. Thomas frequently finds Charlie to be an embarrassment when they are out in public. Complications arise when Thomas develops an attraction to Jackie, a girl he meets in his swim class. Charlie creates various obstacles when Jackie visits their house, when the three of them go on a walk together, and during a family birthday dinner. The story explores whether Thomas can navigate the world of teenage romance while continuing to look after his brother.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Plex, Pluto TV, Amazon MX Player | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Elissa Down
- **Networks / Studios**: Black Balloon Productions, Icon Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Rhys Wakefield** as *Thomas Mollison*
- **Luke Ford** as *Charlie Mollison*
- **Toni Collette** as *Maggie Mollison*
- **Erik Thomson** as *Simon Mollison*
- **Gemma Ward** as *Jackie Masters*
- **Sarah Woods** as *Woman Next Door*
- **Sam Fraser** as *Kid Next Door*
- **Zelie Bullen** as *Mother in Van*
- **Anthony Phelan** as *Mr. Masters*
- **Deborah Piper** as *Janet-Social Worker*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Black Balloon online?
The Black Balloon is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Black Balloon worth watching?
The Black Balloon holds a community rating of 6.3/10 based on 97 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Black Balloon and when was it released?
The Black Balloon is a feature film with a runtime of 97 minutes. It was released in 2008. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Black Balloon?
The Black Balloon was directed by Elissa Down.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Black Balloon — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/8747)
- [The Black Balloon (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Balloon_(film))
- [The Black Balloon (2008) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0865297/fullcredits/)
- [The Black Balloon (2008) - Cast & Crew - The Movie Database ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/8747-the-black-balloon/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*