Over the past twenty years, Ethan Hawke has become nearly as much a part of the Sundance culture as Robert Redford himself. It is only fitting that his latest film, The Weight, directed by first timer Padraic McKinley, would premiere at Sundance’s final Utah festival. He lends weight to Murphy, grounding him as the moral and logistical center of the story. Strong performances, particularly from Hawke, Jones, and Amelio, elevate a predictable script written by Matthew Booi and Shelby Gaines. Grade: B-This review is from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival where The Weight had its world premiere.