Russell Crowe has had a busy September, with two new films hitting screens—one on Netflix and one in theaters. Ironically, the one that critics panned is the one audiences are flocking to, while his critically acclaimed Western is struggling to stay in cinemas.
Crowe's Netflix thriller, Unabomber, where he plays a Harvard professor experimenting on a young Ted Kaczynski, has racked up over 50 million views despite a dismal 25% Rotten Tomatoes score. Meanwhile, his theatrical release, The Weight, has become his best-reviewed movie in 27 years, but it's already vanishing from theaters.
A Western with Critical Praise, but No Box Office Love
The Weight, a Western drama that premiered at Sundance earlier this year, debuted in over 1,500 theaters on September 18. But by this past weekend, it was playing in just 21 theaters nationwide—a staggering drop that signals a swift end to its theatrical run.
The film's domestic gross sits at around $3.5 million, placing it in the lower tier of Crowe's box office performances. While the Oscar winner has had massive hits in the past, his recent career has been defined by smaller, more intimate projects that often find their audience later, on home video.
Despite its commercial struggles, The Weight has earned a "Certified Fresh" 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Ethan Hawke's magnetic performance and Padraic McKinley's assured direction. This is Crowe's best critical reception since The Insider (1999), which holds a 96% score.
A Familiar Pattern for Crowe's Recent Films
Crowe's recent filmography has been a mix of modest hits and underperformers. Movies like Nuremberg and The Pope's Exorcist managed to break out, but most of his projects have relied on home entertainment to find their audience. The Weight seems destined for the same path, especially with McKinley now attached to direct the upcoming Sicario 3, which could give the film a second life on streaming.
For fans of Crowe and Hawke, The Weight is a must-watch, even if it's no longer in theaters. It's a gripping, hard-hitting thriller that showcases both actors at their best. And with the film likely to hit digital platforms soon, it won't be long before audiences can experience it from home.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Weight's digital release and other entertainment news.
