FILM REVIEW: Weapons (2025)

Weapons - New Release Review

Director: Zach Cregger

Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan, Scarlett Sher

Written by: Zach Cregger

Produced by: Roy Lee, J.D. Lifshiftz, Raphael Margules, Miri Yoon, Zach Cregger

Cinematography by: Larkin Seiple

Original Score by: Hays Holladay, Ryan Holladay, Zach Cregger

Synopsis:

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

Thoughts:

In 2022 Zach Cregger burst onto the horror scene with 'Barbarian'. With its twists and chills surrounding its examination of misogyny and abuse, it felt like it came out of nowhere as it became a huge hit with critics and audiences alike. Now he returns to the director's chair with a different beast altogether in the form of what he describes as a "horror epic", 'Weapons'. 

It is a film best enjoyed going into it with as little information as possible. The only thing that you need to know is its basic setup. It follows the aftermath of a bizarre incident that saw 17 schoolchildren from the same classroom wander off into the night at the exact same time (2:17 A.M.) never to be found. The main focus of the film is on the aftermath of this event within the community by examining perspectives of specific people from the town. 

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In telling the story from multiple perspectives, Director Zach Cregger elevates the film from being a conventional mystery into something more. With a setup that feels like a Stephen King story by way of a Grimm fairy tale, he is clever enough to not make this another horror film that marinates in the grief and trauma that comes from such an unusual event, rather he explores it from a reactionary perspective. The town, unable to process the incident, looks for blame more than anything else and the brunt of this is at the expense of the missing classes teacher Justine, played with a wonderful nervous energy by Julia Garner. Led by the owner of a small construction company, Archer (played by a gruff yet vulnerable Josh Brolin) the community vents their anger and fuels their paranoia directly at her in a typical conservative fashion. It is the chief ingredient in what makes this an all American nightmare reflective of the reactionary culture that pervades the modern world. Cregger taps into this quite well and expands upon it as the story develops. 

An example of this can be found with some of the other characters in the film such as police officer Paul (played by Alden Ehrenreich, who is in fine form throughout) who is a powder keg waiting for one little thing to set him off. He has little to no accountability for his actions, waiting for someone or something else to take the blame. With the introduction of these different characters, it adds another layer to what the film is exploring. In this case it shows how everyone looks outwards instead of inwards to try and come to terms with what has happened and in trying to get to the heart of the mystery. 

It all comes to a head though with the introduction of the eccentric character of Gladys (played by a scene stealing Amy Madigan) who is the mysterious aunt of Alex (played with so much emotional maturity by Cary Christopher) the only child from his class who did not disappear. Her character is the culmination of the overarching theme of American decay that is present throughout the film with the youth being drained of hope and optimism by an older generation hell bent on keeping a hold of their own ways of life and values. 

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When you first watch the promotional material for the film it is quite hard to pin down what the film is actually about. You are presented with the basic outline before being assaulted with a series of horrific and unsettling imagery. In the film itself Cregger's approach fires on all cylinders that does give the film an uneven pace but one that keeps the audience on its toes for the opening half. It starts with a sombre and creepy atmosphere, luring the viewer into the mystery which locks you in before broadening its palette with a fair amount of humour that alleviates the tension from some of the more terrifying moments of the film, such as the nightmare sequences or the attack at the petrol station. It all culminates with a chaotic and highly satisfying finale but it is also one that once the dust settles, allows the audience to reflect upon the implication of what has happened. 

'Weapons' is a slight contradiction in how a film that focuses on perspective is more thematic than character based in its approach. In doing so it allows Cregger to look at a version of America that is all about the deep rot that is found when you peel back the once impervious security blankets that offer a superficial comfort. Armed with an intriguing premise that has a resolution that may divide audiences and a great ensemble cast, it feels like Cregger is taking a shot at the term "elevated horror" in delivering a thoughtful but highly entertaining piece of work that continues to build his reputation as one of the must watch filmmakers of the genre. 

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-Joseph McElroy

'Weapons' arrives in Irish/UK cinemas on August 8th