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Weightless

Weightless

201793 minRMidcredits score: 25th percentile of all films
Director
Jaron Albertin
Starring
Alessandro Nivola, Julianne Nicholson, Johnny Knoxville, Marc Menchaca

An emotionally troubled man is forced to care for the obese 10-year-old son he has never met. Together they embark on a high-stakes journey to determine their future together, even as the world tries to tear them apart.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Weightless?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Weightless streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Weightless?

Weightless earns 2 badges, led by Award Winner and Slow burn.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Weightless worth watching?

Weightless' Midcredits score is the 25th percentile of all films, from 370 ratings across 4 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

25th percentile

Better received than 25% of films

20th percentile among Drama26th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)26th
Approval (how many liked it)27th

54 /100

26th percentile of all films

22nd percentile among Drama28th percentile among 2010s

Critics 56 · Audience 54

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.6 — solid but not unanimous.

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

22nd percentile among Drama27th percentile among 2010s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 38%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 2 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

38th percentile

359 ratings across platforms

40th percentile among Drama42nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 82% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$2.5K
Domestic gross$4.5K
Worldwide gross$4.5K

7th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a slow, artful, and thematically sparse drama with strong central performances but a deliberately restrained narrative.

Fans praised

  • subtle, meaningful symbolism rewarding rewatch
  • flawless performances from Eli Haley and Alessandro Nivola
  • stylish, assured directorial debut with tender emotional moments

Detractors panned

  • slow, long-winded pace with pointless dialogue
  • visual camera tricks and artsy ambiguity replace story
  • undeveloped characters and opaque motivations

What stands out

Acting80

Nivola and Haley deliver serious, fresh performances

CinematographyDivisive75

gorgeous, crisp realism with visual style

AtmosphereDivisive70

haunting, contemplative mood but emotionally inert

OriginalityDivisive60

stylish first feature with dream logic

Emotional impactDivisive50

painful to witness for some; others feel detachment

CharactersDivisive45

amorphous and opaque — fans see depth, detractors see lack

Plot and storyDivisive35

underdeveloped, ambiguous, non-eventful story

Pacing25

slow burn, unremittingly tedious for some

Watch experience

What is Weightless like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
MelancholicTenseCathartic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe material is played straight and earnestly, with a restrained, visually stylized approach that observes the characters' inner lives without winking or melodrama.
The rideThe film sustains a consistent weight of melancholy and tension from Joel's isolated start through the challenges of care, with cathartic release likely near the end.
StructureThe synopsis and reviews describe a straightforward, slow-burn narrative following the father-son relationship from estrangement to tentative bonding.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you reflecting on the painful, tentative growth of an unlikely bond, with a mix of hope and melancholy that lingers.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story follows a withdrawn man who must learn to care for the son he has never met, suggesting a rebirth through healing and connection.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsFamily bondsSurvival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeJoel's empty routines are disrupted by the arrival of his son, forcing him to find purpose in care and connection despite overwhelming odds.
StanceThe film observes Joel's struggle to find purpose without moralizing; reviews note it is 'restrained' and 'doesn't force the drama,' suggesting a neutral, observational stance.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernExperimentalForeground music · original score · Andreas Lucas
Settinga landfill and a small coastal town
MusicSome critics found the score bombastic and intrusive, while others appreciated its atmospheric effect.

Content guide

Is Weightless okay for kids?

R

Weightless is rated R: “Rated R for language and brief sexuality/nudity” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at moderate (47/100). It has too few votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany6
  • Switzerland6
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 1.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Weightless have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Weightless?

Cast

Alessandro Nivola
as Joel
Julianne Nicholson
as Janeece
Johnny Knoxville
as Ed
Marc Menchaca
as Cody
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
as Carol
Matthew Miniero
as Ryan
William Hill
as Tim
K. Todd Freeman
as Dr. Mcleod
Sean Meehan
as Ben
Meryl Jones Williams
as Sarah

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Weightless?

Movies like Weightless include Sleepwalking (2008), Georgia Rule (2007) and Imaginary Heroes (2004). Two are chamber dramas; two are stories about carers and dependents.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with Weightless?

678 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: slow cinema. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.