5lbs of Pressure

“5lbs of Pressure” (2024): A Gritty Tale of Redemption and the Weight of the Past

5lbs of Pressure, directed and written by Phil Allocco, is a tense and moody crime drama that delves into the emotional fallout of violence, the long shadows of guilt, and the elusive promise of redemption. Set in a decaying Brooklyn neighborhood and clocking in at just under two hours, the film tells the story of Adam DeSalvo (played by Luke Evans), a man freshly released from prison after serving 16 years for murder. His return to his old neighborhood triggers a chain of events that interweaves the lives of several troubled individuals, all grasping for second chances in a world that doesn’t easily forgive.

The film begins with Adam’s quiet, hesitant reintegration into society. He’s a man deeply marked by his past, hoping to rebuild a relationship with his teenage son Jimmy, who doesn’t even know he exists. His former partner, Donna (Stephanie Leonidas), has kept Adam’s identity hidden from their son, fearing the emotional consequences of revealing the truth. As Adam attempts to reconnect and make amends, he’s forced to confront both the community’s resentment and his own lingering guilt.

Meanwhile, Eli (Zack Adams), the brother of the man Adam killed, still burns with anger. His simmering need for revenge becomes the emotional counterweight to Adam’s desire for reconciliation. As these two men circle one another in a delicate and dangerous dance, the story also follows Mike (Rory Culkin), a small-time drug runner and Eli’s close friend, who dreams of escaping the criminal life with his girlfriend, Lori (Savannah Steyn). Mike, however, is in deep with his abusive uncle’s drug operation, and the more he tries to get out, the more entangled he becomes.

The title, 5lbs of Pressure, refers to the estimated weight needed to pull a gun’s trigger—serving as a symbolic reminder of how little effort it takes to commit a life-changing act of violence. It’s a phrase repeated in the film and one that underscores its central theme: how one small decision can ripple through decades of pain and regret.

Visually, the film embraces a gritty, almost noir-like aesthetic. The streets are dimly lit, colors desaturated, and the air is thick with unspoken tension. The atmosphere, created through careful cinematography and moody lighting, adds weight to the story’s emotional core. Luke Evans brings a restrained but powerful presence to Adam, portraying a man who speaks little but carries the burden of his past in every glance. Rory Culkin delivers a standout performance as Mike, infusing his character with vulnerability, desperation, and a flickering hope that he might somehow escape his circumstances.

While 5lbs of Pressure doesn’t reinvent the crime drama genre, it succeeds in crafting a character-driven narrative that explores redemption in a harsh world. Some critics have found the film’s multiple subplots slightly overstuffed, and certain character arcs could benefit from more development. However, the emotional sincerity of the performances and the film’s somber, reflective tone elevate it beyond genre conventions. It is a story not just about crime, but about the possibility—however faint—of atonement.

In the end, 5lbs of Pressure is a quietly compelling film about broken people trying to heal. It offers no easy answers, but it does offer truth, and in that truth lies its greatest strength.