The Things We Carry (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

A grieving man, Jack (Michael Madsen), turned vigilante is forced to face his traumatic past when he comes face to face with the suspect of a robbery. 

Until just a couple of months ago I was unfamiliar with the name Michael Madsen. It was only his untimely death that put him on my radar and allowed me to become even slightly familiar with the actor. Having just watched Kill Bill, Vol. 1 and its successor for the first time, my frame of reference for the actor is that short film series–and only that. With that, it seems fitting that The Things We Carry is one of Madsen’s final performances. 

Madsen’s character is similar to the one he portrayed in those aforementioned films, but there are moments of levity present in his character as well. As The Things We Carry progresses, viewers are able to see a dynamic character in Jack, one that helps to immerse the audience in this story (both the past and the present). Something soft exists within Jack, and Madsen allows it to shine through in the most subtle of ways–allowing us to better understand and appreciate the character and his dark past. 

While there is conflict present in Jack, as the light and dark battle it out internally–The Things We Carry remains almost exclusively dark throughout. Dark tones, tense lighting, and more are woven into The Things We Carry from start to finish, and the tone remains everpresent as a result. Dark and harrowing is the name of the game in this dramatic short film, and allowing the visuals to accurately portray the conflict within Jack and the film itself, viewers become immersed in a chaotic, but interestingly predictable world. Furthermore, the physical darkness present in the film is effectively one note, lacking variation–but not in a way that hinders the production. The Things We Carry relies heavily on the drama and intensity, and the dark aesthetic allows that to remain prominently featured throughout. 

Additionally, with a series of intense closeups that frame Madsen’s face, it's easy to become immersed in his journey and appreciate the struggles that he faces throughout. Madsen’s expressive face often remains front and center, and the intensity that is ever present in his performance resonates with viewers as a result. The Things We Carry rests on the shoulders of Madsen, but he remains so prominently focused as a result of the cinematography and the set design. 

The Things We Carry is a somewhat exaggerated representation of how grief can consume us and force us down a more tumultuous path. Madsen’s performance, coupled with the technical fluidity and prowess of the team behind the scenes, The Things We Carry presents a powerful narrative capable of transcending the viewing public–regardless of their own experiences. 

Directed by Thibaud Goarin. 

Written by Thibaud Goarin & Elizabeth Grullón.

Starring Michael Madsen, Elizabeth Grullón, Kayla Heywood, DeAngelo Ableidinger, DeLarosa Rivera, etc. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING