The Weight of Water (2002): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The Weight of Water is a 2002 mystery thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Sean Penn, Josh Lucas and Sarah Polley. It runs 1 hour 53 minutes. Critics gave it 45 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 53m (113 min)
- Director
- Kathryn Bigelow
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lions Gate Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Weight of Water About?
The premise of The Weight of Water without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A blind man navigates the dangerous white-water rapids, a journey that forces him to confront the emotional darkness he’s long struggled with. Facing the constant threat of drowning, he seeks freedom and a deeper understanding of himself, battling both the physical challenge and his internal demons along the way.
The Weight of Water Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- sail boat
- true crime
- murder
- photographer
- boyfriend girlfriend relationship
- female nudity
- male female relationship
- voyeur
- crying
- hairy chested man
- marital infidelity
- killing
+38 more Show fewer
- male nudity
- nudity
- 1870s
- usa flag
- underwater
- homicide
- newspaper
- murdered with an axe
- jealousy
- suspicion
- axe
- marriage
- new hampshire
- island
- victorian fashion
- bilge pump
- competitiveness
- cruelty
- game
- mast
- writer
- attraction
- anger
- dark past
- dark secret
- jealous woman
- murder suspect
- obsession
- repressed anger
- sexual perversion
- sexual tension
- victim
- violence
- sexuality
- memory
- preparing meal
- rage
- false accusation
The Weight of Water Cast
Sean Penn leads the cast, with Josh Lucas and Sarah Polley. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow; 5 actors are credited in all.
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Director Kathryn Bigelow
Also Starring in The Weight of Water
· 1 moreMore from Kathryn Bigelow
More films directed by Kathryn Bigelow, best-rated first: The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, Near Dark and Strange Days.
The Weight of Water Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Weight of Water 45 on Metacritic.
-
Metacritic 45 Metascore
User score 5.3
See on Metacritic
The Weight of Water Plot Summary
What happens in The Weight of Water from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 10 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the late 19th century, the secluded Smuttynose Island, situated off the coast of New Hampshire, became the backdrop for a gruesome double murder committed by two Norwegian immigrant sisters: Karen Christensen and Anethe Christensen. The sole survivor of this violent incident was Maren Hontvedt, another Norwegian immigrant. The perpetrator, Louis Wagner, faced conviction and ultimately met his end at the gallows.
Fast-forwarding to the present day, journalist Jean Janes, alongside her husband Thomas, an esteemed poet, and his brother Rich, who owns a boat, sets out to investigate this cold case. Accompanying them is Rich’s romantic partner, Adaline. During their journey to Smuttynose Island, Jean uncovers a treasure trove of archived writings authored by Maren, which vividly recount her experiences on the island and the tragic events that transpired.
Full summary
The whole story of The Weight of Water, scene by scene
The Weight of Water Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Weight of Water.
How Well Do You Know The Weight of Water?
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
Who is the journalist investigating the cold case?
Cars in The Weight of Water
3 cars on screen, including the 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Brasinca Passo Fino.
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1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Important role -
Brasinca Passo Fino Background role -
1998 Mercedes-Benz 712 C Background role
Seen The Weight of Water?
Movies Like The Weight of Water
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Water’s Edge, Deep Water and Under Still Waters.
The Weight of Water FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Weight of Water, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Weight of Water?
The Weight of Water runs 1 hour 53 minutes (113 minutes).
When was The Weight of Water released?
The Weight of Water was released on November 1, 2002.
Who directed The Weight of Water?
The Weight of Water was directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
More films by Kathryn Bigelow Who is in the cast of The Weight of Water?
The Weight of Water stars Sean Penn, Josh Lucas and Sarah Polley, among 5 credited actors.
How is The Weight of Water rated?
The Weight of Water has 45 on Metacritic.
Does The Weight of Water have a post-credit scene?
No. The Weight of Water has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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