Is Ballast Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Ballast is likely a skip if you enjoy movies.
It features a runtime of 49 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ballast Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Ballast emerges as a significant entry in the Cinema domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Between the rural green meadows and pink cakes guests gather for a romantic wedding. Unlike standard genre fare, Ballast attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Mirjam de With, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Film elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Film is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ballast features a noteworthy lineup led by Isa Hoes. Supported by the likes of Kees Boot and Teuntje Post, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Isa Hoes, Kees Boot, Teuntje Post manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2012 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Cinema space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Ballast is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Ballast follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 49 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Ballast resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Film landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Ballast is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Between the rural green meadows and pink cakes guests gather for a romantic wedding. Master of ceremonies Ellen tries to make this an unforgettable day, but gets entangled in the monkeyshine of her half sister, the infidelity of her husband, the first love of her daughter, the antics of her mother and the ropes of a hot airballoon. Will they find that only their fear stands in the way of their happiness? Who will throw the ballast overboard and take off?
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ballast (2012) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Cinema categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Isa Hoes, Kees Boot, Teuntje Post or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Ballast is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2012. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Ballast has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Ballast stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballast movie hit or flop?
Ballast is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Ballast worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Ballast may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Ballast online?
Ballast may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Between the rural green meadows and pink cakes guests gather for a romantic wedding. Master of ceremonies Ellen tries to make this an unforgettable day, but gets entangled in the monkeyshine of her half sister, the infidelity of her husband, the first love of her daughter, the antics of her mother and the ropes of a hot airballoon. Will they find that only their fear stands in the way of their happiness? Who will throw the ballast overboard and take off?