Short Film Review: ‘Dead Weight’ – In the Fight for Survival, Do You Hold On or Let Go?

What does it mean to carry ‘dead weight’? Figuratively, it’s the burden of something or someone that holds you back, slows you down and threatens your survival. This is a concept that is painfully familiar in all aspects of our lives, especially in relationships. But never could you imagine finding yourself in a situation where someone you encounter for the first time becomes a hindrance to your survival.

Writer and director Virgina Root‘s 15-minute short film ‘Dead Weight‘ captures this thought under a sharp, unflinching lens. The film set to have its world premiere at the 2025 Dances With Films festival, tells the story of Grace (played by Alexandra Renzo), a lone backpacker who survives an apocalyptic event while wandering the wilderness. With 90% of the world’s population wiped out, Grace has seemingly made peace with her new reality, accepting solitude and survival as her new normal. She’s resourceful, calm, and most importantly, unbothered by the weight of what the world used to be. Well, until she meets Aaron (played by Griffin Newman), a fellow survivor who brings more disruption than comfort.

When we first meet Grace, she appears grounded and almost detached from the chaos that presumably preceded the world’s collapse. There’s a stillness to her like she’s already grieved the old world and chosen solitude over chaos. Naturally, when she stumbles upon Aaron, you expect a sense of relief or camaraderie. But her instincts quickly kick in, and rightly so. Aaron is not the savior or sidekick one might hope for. He’s a drain. A slouch who shows no signs of pulling his weight. In fact, he’s looking for food, but not willing to lift a finger to help find any.

Virginia Root isn’t just telling a post-apocalyptic story here. She uses this setup to explore the emotional and psychological implications of carrying “dead weight” when everything in you is screaming to keep going alone. It’s a story of boundaries, of intuition, and of knowing when someone is more liability than a lifeline.

The film rests entirely on the shoulders of its two leads, and both actors deliver performances that feel grounded and believable. Alexandra Renzo brings a quiet, steely resolve to Grace. A woman who is capable, mentally strong, and smart about her choices. She doesn’t look like she needs saving. If anything, she’s already saved herself. Her performance reflects an inner strength that is refreshing and rare in female-led survival narratives.

Griffin Newman, on the other hand, leans into the frustrating role of Aaron with subtle charm and a very obvious need to want to take control.  His portrayal of a man who wants to assume authority without knowing what to do makes the character as irritating for the ‘audience as is for Grace.

The tension between these two characters carries the narrative through to its satisfying end.

Visually, ‘Dead Weight‘ is as sparse as its world. Shot entirely in the woods, Austin Madrid’s cinematography beautifully captures the isolation and eerie quiet of the wilderness. There are no wide establishing shots of ruined cities or burning skylines just trees, silence, and the haunting absence of humanity. That choice works, isolating both the characters and the viewer from any distractions. Likewise, the score is subtle but effective, adding a layer of unease that never overwhelms but always simmers. It reminds you that peace is fragile in a world where danger lurks in even the most mundane interactions.

Ultimately, ‘Dead Weight‘ isn’t about zombies, nuclear war, or epic battles. It’s about human dynamics in the rawest possible setting. It asks: When the world ends, do we want companionship at any cost? Or are some people better off left behind?

With just 15 minutes, Virginia Root manages to say a lot about resilience, instinct, and the quiet strength it takes to let go of what doesn’t serve you. because, in reality when faced with choices to make when it comes to survival, sometimes, the hardest decision isn’t fighting the elements, it is dropping the dead weight.

I will score this short film 4 out 5 stars.