BALLAST

BALLAST is a critically acclaimed story about an extended black family dealing with the suicide of one of its members. The brother, Lawrence, is left to manage the family store but becomes depressed. Meanwhile, Marlee, the angry ex-wife, must struggle to raise her teenage son.

The story is character oriented more than plot oriented. Very little happens as the characters go through a difficult time. In addition to minimal action, there is also minimal dialogue. Characters often spend long scenes looking out the window, leaving the viewers to piece together what’s happening. This makes the overall pacing slow at best.

At times, there is real emotional connection in a few scenes. For this, the actors, mostly non-professionals cast locally in Mississippi, are to be commended. The movie’s goal seems to be to portray “real life.” Mainstream audiences probably will find it tedious, but fans of independent movies may connect with the filmmaker’s intent.

The world of BALLAST lacks any reference to God. The only hope seems to be what the characters can do to help each other. When Marlee is fired from her job, there is no hope for her and her son. But, Lawrence extends much kindness to the embittered Marlee by buying her groceries, which softens their relationship.

The young teen son struggles with wanting to buy drugs and stealing items from abandoned homes. By the end, however, he starts back to school and tries to stay out of trouble.

BALLAST is at best a slice of life in a troubled time. Much of the drama, however, fails to connect with the audience because of the slow pace and lackluster plot.