Review for ‘‘Carry That Weight’’ by Nolan Brian Rabanal Tiongco

A minimalist short starring, written and directed by Nolan Tiongco, Carry That Weight is west coast noir storytelling in its purest form, simple as they come in plot and messaging, effective however in captivating the viewer with raw charm.

The short centers around the events following the assassination of the heir of the city's largest syndicate, wherein two men grapple with the practical and emotional ramifications of the murder. Much is left unsaid between the two protagonists, however even the wordless stares and body language convey a message, touching on themes of guilt, grief, loss, the normalization of violence, the value of revenge as opposed to forgiveness, and the emotional ties that can form even between professional criminals.

From a technical standpoint, the film's quality varies wildly. Carry that Weight has many well-framed shots and good esthetic ideas, obviously drawing inspiration from great crime series such as Breaking Bad, however both the lighting and color grading are rather rough. The soundtrack is exceptional in setting the tone and immersing us in the melancholic western setting. Great performances round out this stylish but unpolished gem of neo-noir storytelling.

Tiongco's crime short manages to make the most of its runtime to tell a short but effective tale of regret and revenge, baked under the hot sun and bathed in pale pinks and oranges, all in all a hazy crime thriller that leaves you feeling dirty yet strangely redeemed.