Ethan Hawke Shines in Sundance Thriller "The Weight"

Director Padraic McKinley's debut feature blends action, drama, and social commentary.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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In "The Weight," set during the Great Depression, Ethan Hawke stars as Sam Murphy, a single father forced to lead a dangerous gold heist in exchange for his freedom and the chance to reunite with his young daughter. Directed by Padraic McKinley, the film blends action-adventure thrills with thoughtful commentary on economic inequality and the corrupting influence of greed.

Why it matters

"The Weight" taps into timely themes of financial struggle and the widening wealth gap, using the backdrop of the Great Depression to explore how desperation can drive people to morally questionable actions. Hawke's nuanced performance grounds the film, making the high-stakes heist mission emotionally compelling.

The details

After unknowingly assaulting police officers while protecting his daughter, Sam is sent to a work camp. There, the warden, played by Russell Crowe, offers Sam a deal: lead a gold heist in exchange for his freedom. With his daughter's future at stake, Sam assembles a team of fellow inmates to carry out the risky operation, which becomes increasingly perilous.

  • Sam is sent to the work camp after the assault incident.
  • The warden offers Sam the gold heist deal while he is at the work camp.
  • The heist mission is set to take place over the course of six days.

The players

Sam Murphy

Ethan Hawke's character, a single father trying to provide for his young daughter during the Great Depression.

Warden Clancy

Played by Russell Crowe, the warden who offers Sam the deal to lead the gold heist in exchange for his freedom.

Anna

A fellow inmate who joins Sam's team, also seeking her own freedom from the gold mine.

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What they’re saying

“Gold is such an apt metaphor for greed. It's shiny, it's heavy, it's superficial, and it's obtained through someone's hard labor.”

— James Bond (thefilmstage.com)

“McKinley's intense and, at times, brutal thriller is crowd-pleasing without being pandering. He melds a winning premise, breathless sequences, and lush photography with the right cast to draw you into the treacherous journey.”

— James Bond (thefilmstage.com)

What’s next

The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and audiences and critics will be eager to see if it secures distribution and a wider release.

The takeaway

"The Weight" uses the backdrop of the Great Depression to explore timely themes of economic inequality and the corrupting influence of greed, anchored by Ethan Hawke's powerful performance as a father desperate to provide for his family.