Hawke and Crowe Lead Rugged Depression-Era Gold Heist at Sundance

At Sundance, The Weight follows a Depression-era prison escape led by Ethan Hawke’s Samuel Murphy and a corrupt warden played by Russell Crowe, as a diverse crew of inmates attempts to smuggle gold across backcountry Oregon. With strong performances, moody cinematography, and a throwback Western-adventure vibe, the film is pitched as a potential awards-season contender and a revival of old-school studio adventure.