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Sometimes in life, we find ourselves going through the motions, just continuing on the path that seems clearly marked ahead of us. It takes strength and courage to venture off the path—and in Balloon Animal, a young woman struggles to choose the way that’s right for her.
Balloon Animal finds circus performer Poppy Valentine (Katherine Waddell) at an unexpected crossroads. Poppy has spent her life traveling with Valentine’s Traveling Circus, making balloon animals, performing in a big-top magic show, and generally helping her dad, Dark (Ilia Volok), keep everything running. As another season comes to an end, Poppy’s dad decides to make her the assistant manager. But when she ventures into the neighboring small town and meets friendly insomniac Drew (Michael David Wilson), she begins to question her life with the circus and consider leaving it all behind.
By day, Poppy helps her dad and the other performers tear down the circus for another year—but, at night, she wanders around town, caught up in the small-town charms of its bars and diners and shops. Though the circus setting may be an intriguing one, that’s not the focus here. Poppy is fascinated by the completely foreign idea of settling down in a real home—not one on wheels. And she’s tired of the growing responsibilities that her dad places on her—especially since her mother left them.
The film follows Poppy’s struggle—her quiet contemplation of her goals for her future. There isn’t a lot of action here—or even a lot of external conflict—just a story about a young woman whose path has always been chosen for her suddenly considering making her own choices about her future.
As she spends time both with her circus friends and with Drew, Poppy wrestles with her decision. In a way, it seems like leaving would mean betraying her father, her friends, and their whole way of life—a way of life that they often find themselves fighting to defend. That’s just not an easy decision for Poppy to make. And as she struggles with her choice, it makes for a quiet but thoughtful film about a likeable young woman trying to find her own path in life.
More than just a story about life in the circus, Balloon Animal is a coming-of-age drama about one young woman’s desire to venture into a life of her own. Most viewers will be able to relate to Poppy’s struggle, but it will definitely resonate with a young adult audience.
You can view Balloon Animal on demand starting on April 7, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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