Carl Roberts 
From writer/director Padraic McKinley, and starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, the Depression-era drama, The Weight, is coming. Specifically, it will be in UK and Irish cinemas.
Vertical is pleased to announce the UK & Ireland cinema release of writer/director Padraic McKinley’s acclaimed feature film debut THE WEIGHT, starring BAFTA Award and five-time Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke, BAFTA Award and Academy Award winner Russell Crowe, Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, and Sam Hazeldine. The tense, atmospheric crime drama releases in cinemas nationwide on Friday, October 2nd.
THE PREMISE
When Samuel (Hawke) is torn from his daughter and sent to a brutal prison, Warden Clancy (Crowe) offers a high-stakes proposition: smuggle gold out of a remote mine with a dangerous crew of prisoners, and he’ll win his freedom. However, as the group journeys into the unforgiving wilderness, the real threat isn’t the terrain. Instead, it’s the betrayal and violence festering within their ranks. Surrounded by greed, suspicion, and danger, Samuel must risk everything to reunite with his child.
Padraic McKinley’s tense, atmospheric Depression-era crime drama follows a group of desperate convicts on a perilous journey through a physically and morally treacherous backcountry. THE WEIGHT draws on the introspective action cinema of the 1970s. It combines gritty survivalist set pieces with uncommonly intelligent dialogue and finely drawn characters. Although rich with period detail, THE WEIGHT is charged with elemental energy. This energy is fueled by brothers Latham and Shelby Gaines’ harrowing score and Matteo Cocco’s vivid cinematography. Ethan Hawke gives a muscular performance as the film’s reluctant but resourceful hero. Meanwhile, Russell Crowe is quietly menacing as his foil. Julia Jones brings dignity and defiance to her role as Anna, the sole woman in the group.
Story by Matthew Booi, Leo Scherman, and Matthew Chapman, THE WEIGHT received its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it was met with critical acclaim.
Running time 114 minutes / Certificate 15 TBC
The film will be released in US cinemas on September 18th.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
