The Weight

The Weight is a Depression-era survival thriller directed by Padraic McKinley. Ethan Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, who is separated from his daughter Penny and sent to a prison camp. Warden Clancy, played by Russell Crowe, offers him a deal: carry gold through remote wilderness and earn a chance at freedom. The land, weather and other men on the journey make the bargain increasingly dangerous.

Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash and Sam Hazeldine also appear. The film premiered at Sundance in January 2026 and is set for a U.S. theatrical release on September 18 through Vertical. The producer has not announced a streaming date in the official release checked.

Hawke has described the film as a chance to play a flawed but responsible father. The story centers on Samuel’s effort to get back to Penny, not merely the gold he is asked to carry.