‘The Weight’ Review: Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe Shine in Depression-Era Adventure at Sundance

The Weight, a U.S./Germany co-production, had its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, drawing comparisons to classic adventure films of the 1970s. Directed by Padraic McKinley, the Depression-era drama stars Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe in a tense survival story set against the rugged backdrop of 1933 Oregon.

Ethan Hawke’s Career High

Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, a father desperate to reunite with his daughter Penny (Avy Berry) after being sent to a brutal prison camp. His performance adds to a remarkable year that already includes an Oscar nomination for Blue Moon and acclaim for his FX series The Lowdown. Hawke’s portrayal of Murphy, a man forced into extreme circumstances, has been praised for its emotional depth and grit.

Russell Crowe as the Villain

Crowe takes on the role of Clancy, a duplicitous prison warden who manipulates inmates into smuggling gold bars across treacherous terrain. Crowe’s slimy, three-dimensional performance continues his streak of playing complex antagonists, following his recent role as Hermann Göring in Nuremberg.

A Dangerous Journey

The film follows Murphy and fellow prisoners—including Rankin (Austin Amelio), Singh (Avi Nash), Amis (Sam Hazeldine), Olson (Lucas Lynggaard Tonnesen), and Anna (Julia Jones)—as they embark on a perilous mission through mountains, rivers, and hostile territory. One standout sequence involves a tense crossing of a rickety bridge, where Murphy must catch and throw gold bars under life-threatening conditions.

Strong Ensemble and Cinematography

Julia Jones delivers a standout performance as Anna, a tough and resilient character who proves as capable as any of the men. Matteo Cocco’s atmospheric cinematography captures the harsh landscapes, while Shelby and Latham Gaines provide a stirring score that enhances the film’s tension and emotional resonance.

Influences and Legacy

Critics have noted the film’s echoes of classics like Deliverance, Cool Hand Luke, and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. McKinley’s direction blends gritty realism with the spirit of old-school adventure, creating a film that feels both timeless and fresh.

Awards Season Potential

With its gripping narrative and powerhouse performances, The Weight is already being touted as a strong contender for distribution and awards season. Producers Simon Fields, Nathan Fields, Ryan Hawke, Jonas Katzenstein, and Maximilian Leo have delivered a film that could resonate with audiences eager for a return to classic adventure storytelling.