Ethan Hawke's Prisoner Faces a Dark Deal in Depression-Era Drama 'The Weight'

The upcoming period drama 'The Weight' has released its first trailer, revealing a tense confrontation between Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. Directed by Padraic McKinley in his feature debut, the film is set to hit theaters on September 18 via Vertical Entertainment, according to Bleeding Cool.

Bleeding CoolEthan Hawke and Russell Crowe to Star in Period Action Drama 'The Weight,' Releasing September 18

Deadline reported that Hawke stars as Samuel Murphy, a war veteran and inmate at a notorious prison camp. His character is "desperate to get out early to prevent his young daughter from becoming a ward of the state," a high-stakes motivation that drives the plot.

Deadline'The Weight' Trailer: Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe Star in Depression-Era Prison Drama

Russell Crowe plays the prison warden who presents Murphy with a grim proposition. Deadline noted that the warden offers the inmate a deal: "do a favor for a friend in exchange for early release." This morally ambiguous bargain sets the stage for a suspenseful narrative about loyalty and survival.

Bleeding Cool described the film as a "period action drama" set in 1933, marking it as a Depression-era tale that mixes historical grit with personal stakes. With two heavyweight actors and a director making his debut, 'The Weight' is shaping up to be a notable September release for fans of character-driven thrillers.