Directed by Carey Lewis
Canada 2010

Carver is a complicated young man, who criticizes franticly how the world goes on in general. He has his darker side, which forces him to do things he doesn't want to. Even Carver's therapist, few friends or new girlfriend have trouble to understand how his mind works. But so has Carver himself.

Carey Lewis' and his independent film company Backlot Rebels' new feature film The Weight starts a little weakly. The main character Carver starts to ramble about how he feels about people and the world surrounding him, and you can't really get what's  the point – even though dialogue itself has many nice moments. When you least expect it, the film turns into disturbing and suspenseful drama / thriller. And after that – although there are some lighter and even romantic moments – there is always that grim feeling in the back of your head, that stops you hoping for the best. This film will stay in your head for a while.

Ryan DiFrancesco as Carver is the right man in the right role. His portrait of an mentally unstable, lonely young man is pretty much spot-on. At the same time you feel sorry for him but also despise the way he behaves towards other people. Jessica Grosdanof as Betty, Carver's goth girlfriend does a great job too, being a naturally likable person you really care about.

Roger Chapman's skilled cinematography doesn't play with tricks. The camera follows the storyline and the camera positions feel extremely well planned.  The few simple lighting effects tell the viewer efficiently about Carver's broken mind.

Carey Lewis' Streets of Wonderland (2005) was a promising film and The Weight continues to deliver solid direction, imaginative screen-writing and skilled film-making in general.