The Black Balloon

(2008)Directed by Elissa Down97 min · PG-13Drama
Normal is relative.

Thomas is turning 16. His dad's in the army and they've just moved to a town in New South Wales; his mom is pregnant; his older brother, Charlie, who's autistic, has his own adolescent sexual issues. Thomas finds Charlie an embarrassment in public, so when Thomas is attracted to Jackie, a girl in his swim class, Charlie presents any number of obstacles when she drops by their house, when the three of them go for a walk, and during a family birthday dinner. Can Thomas find a way to enter the world of teen romance and still be his brother's keeper, or is Charlie's disability going to prove more than Thomas can handle?

Rhys Wakefieldas Thomas Mollison
Luke Fordas Charlie Mollison
Toni Colletteas Maggie Mollison
Erik Thomsonas Simon Mollison
Gemma Wardas Jackie Masters
SWSarah Woodsas Woman Next Door
Sam Fraseras Kid Next Door
Zelie Bullenas Mother in Van
Anthony Phelanas Mr. Masters
Deborah Piperas Janet-Social Worker
Henry Nixonas Trevor-Social Worker
Rebecca Masseyas Miss Babb
Lisa Kowalskias Sally
Firass Diranias Russell
Kate Boxas Elizibeth