The Load (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Load is a 2019 drama directed by Ognjen Glavonic, starring Novak Bilbija as Man with the Envelopes, Leon Lucev and Pavle Cemerikic. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $28,410 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Director
- Ognjen Glavonic
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Serbian - Studio
- Grasshopper Film
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Load About?
The premise of The Load without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
During the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, a quiet truck driver finds himself on a dangerous mission. He is tasked with transporting a mysterious cargo through the war-torn landscape to Belgrade, all while NATO bombing campaigns shake the region. Facing perilous roads and navigating a complex web of loyalties, he must confront the challenges of the journey and the toll it takes on his spirit, pushing him to his physical and moral limits.
The Load Themes & Keywords
· 5 tags- 16th century
- spain
- journey
- bare chested male
- interracial romance
The Load Cast & Characters
Novak Bilbija leads the cast as Man with the Envelopes, with Leon Lucev as Vlada and Pavle Cemerikic as Paja. Directed by Ognjen Glavonic; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Ognjen Glavonic
- Novak Bilbija as Man with the Envelopes
- Leon Lucev as Vlada
- Pavle Cemerikic as Paja
- Ivan Lucev
Also Starring in The Load
· 6 more- Radoje Cupic Cigarette Seller
- Tadija Calukovic Wedding Boy #2
- Igor Bencina
- Branislav Ciric
- Kosta Bekric
- Tamara Krcunovic
The Load Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Load 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).
The Load Echo Score Breakdown
The Load is a visually austere and contemplative war drama that balances minimalism with thematic depth. Its restrained style emphasizes muddy landscapes and muted colors, inviting viewers into a quiet meditation on complicity and survival. While the deliberate pacing and sparse narrative require sustained engagement, they also foster a profound sense of immersion. Overall, the film leaves a lasting impression as a thoughtfully crafted exercise in poetic realism.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, The Load excels in its austere visual language. Critics note unhurried takes and a subdued palette of beige and gray that underscore war’s impact on landscape and psyche. The framings of ground and material detail convey meaning beyond dialogue. Overall, its restrained aesthetic yields a powerful and cohesive visual statement.
- Character & Emotion 82
When it comes to character and emotion, the film delivers a reserved yet potent portrait. Leon Lučev’s performance anchors the narrative, conveying internal conflict through subtle expressions. The impressionistic focus on background figures offers glimpses of individual dignity amid chaos, though some find the emotional punch modest. Overall, the film sustains a quiet but resonant emotional core.
- Story & Flow 75
In terms of story and flow, The Load unfolds with deliberate slowness and minimal dialogue. The narrative is presented in sparse episodes that challenge viewers to connect the dots, requiring active commitment. While this measured approach can induce occasional frustration, it also creates a harrowing sense of immersion. Overall, the pacing and structure foster reflection but may test some viewers’ patience.
- Sensory Experience 80
On the sensory front, The Load presents a stark and cohesive audiovisual experience. The subdued soundtrack and ambient sound design complement the muted color palette, reinforcing the film’s austere tone. Visual cohesion is maintained through carefully composed frames that avoid exploitation while conveying devastation. Overall, the sensory restraint enhances the thematic gravity and underscores the film’s contemplative mood.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s austere pacing and subtle visual details may encourage focused revisits. Viewers committed to its poetic minimalism can discover nuanced imagery and thematic depth on subsequent viewings. However, the sparse dialogue and demanding narrative structure may limit its appeal for casual repetition. Overall, The Load rewards attentive second viewings more than broad repeat entertainment.
-
IMDb 6.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 73%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB
The Load Plot Summary
What happens in The Load from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
During the 1999 NATO bombing of Kosovo, we meet Vlada, portrayed by Leon Lucev, a middle-aged man who finds himself entangled in a perilous mission as a courier. Hired to transport a mysterious cargo through the ravaged landscape of Kosovo to Belgrade, Vlad’s task is shrouded in secrecy; he is explicitly warned against stopping for any reason once he sets off. This marks his third driving excursion, and the weight of uncertainty presses heavily upon him.
Full summary
The whole story of The Load, scene by scene
The Load Box Office
The Load grossed $28,410 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$28.4K
- US & Canada
- $28.4K
The Load Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Load.
How Well Do You Know The Load?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Vlada's role in the movie 'The Load'?
Seen The Load?
Movies Like The Load
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Red Colored Grey Truck, Intregalde and White Cargo.
The Load FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Load, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Load?
The Load runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was The Load released?
The Load was released on August 30, 2019.
Who directed The Load?
The Load was directed by Ognjen Glavonic.
Who is in the cast of The Load?
The Load stars Novak Bilbija as Man with the Envelopes, Leon Lucev as Vlada and Pavle Cemerikic as Paja, among 10 credited actors.
How much did The Load make at the box office?
The Load grossed $28,410 worldwide.
How is The Load rated?
The Load has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.
Does The Load have a post-credit scene?
No. The Load has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is The Load in?
The original language of The Load is Serbian.
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