The Dark Abbi Jacobson Drama You Can Catch On Netflix
The following article includes mention and discussion of addiction.
On the strength of a five-season run on Comedy Central's cult-hit comedy "Broad City," a handful of equally memorable appearances in film and television, and loads of voiceover work, Abbi Jacobson has become one of the premiere comedic talents in showbiz. And with her starring role in Amazon Studios' upcoming comedy series based on "A League of Their Own," Jacobson's reputation as a comedic thespian of the first order will likely only grow.
Hopefully, Amazon's "A League of Their Own" series will also let Jacobson showcase her dramatic chops a little, 'cause even if she doesn't get to front them very often, Jacobson is every bit as impressive in dramatic roles as she is in comedic fare. Jacobson's work opposite a cringe-worthy Michael Cera in 2017's underrated indie dramedy "Person to Person" is proof of that — but it's not the only dramatic film role she's taken.
If you want to see Abbi Jacobson in a role that will probably make you tear up, there's a dark drama on Netflix that fits the bill.
6 Balloons is an overlooked gem worthy of your Netflix queue
In "6 Balloons," Abbi Jacobson portrays Katie, the older sister of Seth (Dave Franco), who is struggling with heroin addiction. The film unfolds over the course of a single day as Katie desperately tries to get Seth into treatment while helping care for his young daughter Ella (Charlotte and Madeline Carel) and throwing a surprise birthday party for her boyfriend Jack (Dawan Owens).
"6 Balloons" is told with a breathless, unflinching realism, and Jacobson's beautifully understated turn as Katie is front and center throughout. One would be hard-pressed to disagree that here, she delivers one of the sharpest, emotionally rich performances of her career.
Make no mistake: While "6 Balloons" is a heavy affair, it's also a deeply rewarding one that should've gotten a lot more attention than it has since it hit Netflix in 2018. But hey, there's no time like the present to correct that oversight.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).