I Weigh Down is a contemporary picture of how trauma can affect people decades later. An OCD ridden young man (Shess) must come to terms with how his childhood trauma affects his current relationships when his abuser is publicly arrested. He and his on again/off again girlfriend, Jocelyn, navigate their failing relationship. But Shess’ mental state is deteriorating and he cannot even open up to Jocelyn to save what they have.

I Weigh Down was a difficult film to write. The events of the story are very familiar to me because they are largely based on my own life. I remember feeling the same need for control of my surroundings as Shess. I remember almost imploding because of the lasting damages that were caused to me. And I remember, time after time, watching characters in films talk about how they wouldn’t be who they are without the trauma that was done to them. In the worst cases, characters were thankful for the harm caused to them. 

This narrative is so pervasive in media. But in the wake of the Me Too movement, the Weinstein trial, the Brock Turner case, and so many more, I believe it’s time to change how we discuss the ramifications of sexual assault. In this film, we will join a man who spends a day in crisis because of his past assault. He must find a way to move forward or risk himself and any relationship with the woman he loves. 

I can imagine my younger self learning to heal by watching films like this. I hope that I Weigh Down helps others like me understand a little more about themselves and how to move forward after trauma. Perhaps with more media like this, we as a society can continue to heal as well.