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A searing debut by director Lance Hammer, this subtle and contemplative Mississippi set drama lingers long after its conclusion. Read critic reviews

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Ballast Photos

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Movie Info

Newly widowed by her husband's shocking suicide, recovering addict Marlee (Tarra Riggs) struggles to raise her young son, James (JimMyron Ross), by herself. Inconsolable over the suicide and unequipped to face life without a father, the stunned James reaches out to his estranged uncle Lawrence (Micheal J. Smith Sr.), his father's stoic identical twin. In the wake of their reunion, James sets out on a painful, meandering path that inevitably lands him and his grieving family in grave danger.
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Lance Hammer
  • Producer:
    Nina Parikh, Lance Hammer
  • Writer:
    Lance Hammer
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $76.2K
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Alluvial Film Company

Cast & Crew

Micheal J. Smith Sr.
Lawrence
JimMyron Ross
James
Tarra Riggs
Marlee
Johnny McPhail
John
Lance Hammer
Director
Lance Hammer
Writer
Nina Parikh
Producer
Lance Hammer
Producer
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News & Interviews for Ballast

Watch Online: Pan’s Labyrinth, Clueless, Before Midnight, and More Certified Fresh Picks on Netflix and Amazon Prime
Frozen River, The Wackness Lead 2008 Sundance Winners
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Critic Reviews for Ballast

All Critics (80) | Top Critics (32) | Fresh (74) | Rotten (6)

View All Critic Reviews (80)

Audience Reviews for Ballast

  • Jul 17, 2011
    One of those no-soundtrack, no-action, mumbling dialog dramas, this time about a penniless single mother - reclusive brother in law- errant son triangle. It did nothing for me.
    Lesley N Super Reviewer
  • Dec 13, 2010
    "Ballast" is simply one of the deepest moving pictures I have seen in a long time. The story is about three people who live a life of poverty, despair, and sadness in Mississippi Delta. The first time watching this was tough due to the slow pace of the picture but gradually this is one of Lance Hammer's strong strengths because he patiently giving his characters life and a the start of a future. I really admired the mother Marlee played by Tarra Riggs. Her character was the most fascinating to me. What took me by surprise is how she becomes a leader. A REAL leader while slowly building a foundation. Lawrence (Michael J. Smith) is Marlee's sister-in-law and Marlee's son James (JimMyron Ross) who at first hangs out with troublemakers then realizes they are using him. There is also a fourth character who goes by the name of John (Johnny McPhail). Not much is known except that he seems to be a good neighbour(John found Lawrence shot and called paramedics for help. When Lawrence is healed, John checks on Lawrence to make sure he's alright). Overall "Ballast" is a paridigm picture that I didn't expect. This picture is an honest way of seeing real people doing things real people would do in the real world. Lance Hammer's picture also made me wonder and say "There is hope in life. There is real hope for those who are unfortunate".
    Brian R Super Reviewer
  • Aug 22, 2010
    A minimalist film, but with a lot of heart and emotion. No glitz or glam here - just a peek into the life of a family. Great performances from the cast.
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
  • Aug 22, 2010
    Ballast looks beautiful, and I want to see what Lance Hammer does next, but someone needs to kick the shit out of this kid.
    matt s Super Reviewer
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