While Baz Lurhmann’s Australia implodes, The Black Balloon offers a subtle, touching portrait of life down unda’ as seen through the eyes of Thomas (Rhys Wakefield), a teenager who desperately wants to fit into his family’s new home. His dream seems simple enough, but his severely autistic brother, Charlie, makes it anything but.

The film is filled with nuanced and commanding performances across the board from thoughtful and delicate 19-year-old Wakefield to model-turned-actress Gemma Ward as Thomas’ bewitching yet irreverent love interest, uber-talented Toni Collette fills in the role of mother with depth and gravitas while Luke Ford (best known for his work in The Mummy) turns in a disarmingly brilliant portrayal of Charlie. The film is semi-autobiographical for writer-director Elissa Down who manages to create a family portrait that is relatable, poignant, grounded and heart-felt.

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 —Sasha Perl-Raver