“Absolutely Electrifying”: First Look at Ethan Hawke in a Thriller That Wowed US Critics!

Mark your calendars for September 16th, when the historical thriller The Weight hits French theaters. This film marks the directorial debut of Padraic McKinley, an experienced editor who has worked on several films with Jason Statham including Homefront and Joker. For his first time at the helm, he has enlisted two Hollywood heavyweights, Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe.

Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, a father separated from his daughter and sent to a labor camp in 1933 Oregon, where harsh conditions prevail. Crowe portrays the camp director, who offers Samuel an early release if he can successfully smuggle gold through a treacherous wilderness alongside other prisoners. The journey quickly becomes perilous, as depicted in the gripping trailer available above.

Highly Praised by Critics

After making rounds at the Berlin and Sundance film festivals earlier this year, The Weight has impressed critics who particularly highlight Ethan Hawke’s electrifying performance and intensely physical role, along with Russell Crowe’s powerful presence in just a few scenes.

With 94% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that the film, which also features Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, and Sam Hazeldine, delivers on its promise of an intense and captivating saga.

The Weight, coming to theaters September 16th, 2026.

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