The Balloonist is a new comedy-drama film that is the first original movie from the Netherlands to be made for the streaming service Disney+. The movie is a tragicomedy, which means it has both sad and funny parts.
The movie premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival in September 2025 and was released to stream on Disney+ on October 3, 2025.
The story centers on a 37-year-old woman named Gaby Raaymakers. She lives a quiet life on her farm, where she raises special kinds of chickens, takes care of her seven-year-old son, Kuif, and her grumpy mother, Mientje. Gaby’s calm life is turned upside down when a hot-air balloon pilot, an arrogant man named Arnaud, crashes his balloon right onto her chicken coop. The accident forces Gaby to face Arnaud and also deal with old problems from her past that she has tried to keep hidden.
The Balloonist Age Rating
The Balloonist is rated TV-MA on Disney+ for mature themes and material aimed at adults. This Disney+ listing shows the title carrying a mature audience rating on the platform.
Violence & Peril
Violence is generally low and non-graphic. There are tense, emotionally charged moments and some peril tied to family conflict and confrontations. Physical fights are limited and the film focuses more on emotional stakes than on gore. The film’s atmosphere includes awkward, darkly comic beats that may feel unsettling to younger viewers.
Language
Language is occasionally strong but not the central feature. Expect some coarse or blunt terms in heated scenes. There is no indication of pervasive extreme or slur-heavy dialogue, but some characters use frank, adult language. Parents should expect mature phrasing appropriate to TV-MA material.
Mature Themes
The Balloonist deals with love, grief, and family conflict in adult ways. Dark comedic elements appear, including a reference to a “suicidal rooster,” which contributes to a bleakly humorous tone. Themes of mental distress, strained family relationships, and references to suicide are present and handled with adult humor and gravity. Some territories list an equivalent M18 advisory for viewers 18 and older.
Is The Balloonist Suitable for Teens?
Ages 0–12: No. The film’s mature themes and dark comedic references make it inappropriate for children. The tone and implied adult issues are not suitable for young viewers.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Older teens may understand the plot, but parents should preview scenes involving dark humour and references to self-harm. Discuss the themes before and after watching.
Ages 16–17: With guidance / Cautious yes. Mature teens can handle the material if parents are present to discuss grief and family conflict. Because the platform rates it TV-MA, we recommend parental review first.
Final recommendation: We advise this film for 17+ (or 18+ where local guidance applies) unless a parent or guardian has watched it first and is comfortable permitting a mature 16–17-year-old to view.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the film first to judge tone and specific scenes, especially those mixing dark humour with references to self-harm.
- Prepare to discuss grief, family conflict, and the use of bleak humour with teens after viewing.
- If a younger teen watches, pause and explain context during difficult moments and reassure them about resources if the themes feel upsetting.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is The Balloonist rated and why?
A: The Balloonist is rated TV-MA on Disney+ for mature themes, dark humour, and adult material.
Q: Is The Balloonist appropriate for kids or young teens?
A: No. The film is aimed at adults and older teens, not children under 13.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: The film has low physical violence but some tense, emotionally intense moments. The mood can be unsettling.
Q: Does it contain strong language or slurs?
A: Occasional coarse language appears in heated scenes. There is no evidence of pervasive slur usage.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The Balloonist focuses on adult themes, grief, and family conflict. There are no reports that sexual content or nudity are central. Parents should preview to confirm.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: The Balloonist streams on Disney+ starting October 3, 2025. It premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival in September 2025.