Ballast

About This Movie

Ballast is a raw slice of life that takes you right into the heart of the Mississippi Delta. The pacing is deliberate, almost meditative, which mirrors the weighty themes of survival and personal conflict. The performances are strikingly authentic—especially the dynamic between the mother and son, filled with a palpable tension that feels almost suffocating. There's minimal dialogue, really relying on the actors' expressions and the haunting atmosphere to convey deeper emotions. The film's sense of place is vivid; you can almost feel the oppressive heat and hear the silence that envelops the township. It’s not flashy, but there's a certain power in its understated storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Emphasizes character-driven storytellingStrong sense of place and atmosphereUnderscores themes of violence and redemption