The Black Balloon is a 2008 Australian comedy-drama film starring Toni Collette, Rhys Wakefield, Luke Ford, Erik Thomson, Gemma Ward as well as a cast of newcomers.

It begins with Charlie, his autistic brother, banging a wooden spoon on the grass with neighbours staring and pointing.

Although his family appears to be a fairly happy one, Thomas often feels isolated; it seems as if his mother only dotes upon his brother, Charlie (Luke Ford), and does not pay any attention to him.

Charlie enjoys dressing up like a monkey, playing computer games using a Commodore 64 and receiving gold stars for good behaviour.

Matters become even more problematic when Charlie expresses the urge to go to the bathroom and enters the nearest house to use the toilet.

Her husband, Simon, insists that she spend the rest of her pregnancy in the hospital instead, leaving Thomas to become the primary caregiver for Charlie.

In addition, Thomas is seen dealing with Charlie, who has a meltdown due to Simon not buying some more items at a local supermarket since he does not have enough money.

That same evening when the trio return from the supermarket, Thomas, who was annoyed by the meltdown, rips up Charlie's star chart.

The next day, when Thomas attends his swimming class, Jackie wears Charlie's monkey ears, which pleases and amuses him.

When Jackie meets Charlie, she makes a concerted effort to know and understand him, as well as to use Sign Language as a means by which to communicate with him.

Tensions flare when Jackie eats a roast dinner with the family in order to celebrate Thomas's sixteenth birthday.

After Thomas blows out the candles on his cake, Charlie begins masturbating at the table, causing Jackie to become extremely uncomfortable.

In spite of his mother's commiseration, Thomas still feels as if he behaved badly, while Jackie comforts him by kissing his forearm, indicating she loves him nonetheless.

The Black Balloon was reviewed on At the Movies, with Margaret Pomeranz, giving it four out of five stars, hailing it as 'such a strong film.'

But towering over the film is the performance of Toni Collette, she is just so good in every role she takes on, and Erik Thomson gives solid support as Simon.

Co-presenter David Stratton agreed, giving the film four-and-a-half stars, and added that 'it's so beautifully played.

'[3] Roger Ebert felt that the film's strengths lay in the structure of the piece as well as its central characters and casting.

[9] Production wrapped up in 2007 (the year of its copyright notice) and filming took place in the Sydney area at the following locations: "Fall at Your Feet" is a rendition of the Neil Finn (Crowded House) song.

[11] Songs also featuring in the film include "Better" by The Screaming Jets, "Don't Go Now" by Ratcat, "Streets of Your Town" by The Go Betweens, "Know You Know" by The Someloves and Jimmy Barnes' "Driving Wheels".