Sundance Review: Ethan Hawke Shines in The Weight

      Gold serves as a powerful metaphor for greed. It gleams, it weighs heavily, it is shallow, and it’s acquired through the labor of others. This labor often falls upon the backs of the oppressed and desperate, while those who benefit keep a comfortable distance. Presently, gold prices have hit an unprecedented high, highlighting its enduring corruptive charm, even as life becomes increasingly challenging for those at the bottom of the economic hierarchy. Daily news reports reveal more people struggling to make ends meet or access healthcare. This grim reality is reflected in director Padraic McKinley's debut feature, The Weight.

      McKinley’s gripping and occasionally harsh thriller engages audiences without resorting to pandering. He combines an engaging premise, fast-paced sequences, and stunning cinematography with the right cast to immerse viewers in the perilous journey. While The Weight draws inspiration from action-adventure classics such as Cliffhanger and Indiana Jones, it has a deeper, more introspective essence—one hand on its heart, the other wielding a blade.

      The film transports us back to another challenging period in American history: The Great Depression. Sam Murphy (Ethan Hawke) is striving to support his young daughter (Avy Berry) through his craftsmanship and intelligence. As most cannot afford to be honest, the single father aims to set a positive example through hard work and ethical choices. He remains hopeful for his daughter’s future, but his strong values are not enough to prevent their eviction. After unintentionally assaulting a group of police officers in defense of his daughter, Sam is sent to a work camp to repay his debt to society. His resourcefulness catches the eye of Warden Clancy (Russell Crowe) when he moves a massive boulder. Impressed by Sam's ingenuity and integrity, the warden proposes a deal: freedom in exchange for leading a gold heist. With urgency increasing as the state prepares to put his daughter up for adoption, Sam has no choice but to take on the six-day mission. Fortunately for us, the straightforward smuggling endeavor swiftly evolves into a more intricate and dangerous situation with each passing day.

      For this mission, Sam carefully selects three fellow inmates, not all of whom are ideally suited for the task. Their group is overseen by two armed guards and eventually includes Anna (Julia Jones), who seeks to escape the gold mine and is willing to fight for her freedom. Similar to the dynamics in war films or westerns, the group shares stories around a campfire and during their journey, revealing how they arrived at their current predicaments. Each character is developed enough to garner our sympathy, especially when tragedy occurs, heightening the drama during the suspenseful sequences McKinley subjects them to, such as a nail-biting scene on a rickety bridge that feels fresh despite being a familiar trope. The same holds true for the film's leading star.

      Some elements are known to improve with time: cast-iron pans, baseball mitts, and Ethan Hawke. Hawke taps into his emotional depth as an actor to portray the devoted father, compelling us to invest in his goal of reuniting with his daughter. He can hold his own against the inherently formidable Crowe in their unequal power dynamic; Sam is unafraid to counter Clancy's toughness with sharp retorts. While it's exaggerated to suggest that Hawke is undergoing a trendy, buzzword-laden resurgence, there is clearly a renewed momentum in his career. Although he has never fully embraced mainstream Hollywood, he continues to pursue projects that intrigue him, collaborating with renowned directors like Pawel Pawlikowski, Paul Schrader, and maintaining his long-term partnership with Richard Linklater. Even his "one for you" roles feel rooted in genuine interest. Over the years, he has discovered new dimensions in his performances, enhancing both his intensity and star power. With a fifth Oscar nomination under his belt, it appears that his peers have also recognized his growth.

      Whether in the dialogue-driven Before trilogy, his action-packed thrillers, or his recent role as a prominent figure in the horror genre, Hawke brings an authentic quality to his roles that draws viewers into the diverse landscapes of his films. His versatility has only expanded and refined with age, allowing him to embody the qualities of a character actor while still taking the lead. He has the ability to elevate films with their shortcomings or, as seen in The Weight, complement a strong project to help it reach its full potential.

      The Weight debuted at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.