Weapons Review: Zach Cregger’s Latest Horror Movie Feels Like Evil’s Actually Afoot (Which Rocks)

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In my opinion, Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” is a spine-tingling, zany rollercoaster ride that takes a chilling concept and runs with it. This year’s offering from Warner Bros. in the horror genre is a chilling, eerie campfire story that leaves a lasting haunt in your memory.

Barbarian, another directorial venture by Zach Cregger, marked his transition into the horror realm after establishing himself as a member of “The Whitest Kids U’ Know.” In this terrifying tale, two unlucky travelers find themselves stumbling upon a network of terror-filled tunnels hidden beneath their Airbnb in Detroit.

The movie titled Barbarian was unexpected in several aspects. Unlike typical film structures, it constructed a sequence of intricate twists, culminating in a thrilling climax. In this production, no character can be considered invulnerable, and the unforeseeable plot turns are part of its unique charm.

Audience members were thrilled by the unexpected delight, which sparked genuine anticipation among horror enthusiasts for his chilling sequel, the gripping tale inspired by real events titled “Weapons“.

In the realm of recent cinematic experiences, I found myself utterly captivated by a chilling masterpiece penned and directed by none other than Cregger. This film was birthed from a true-life tale that had me on the edge of my seat from the get-go. The story unfolds in an ordinary classroom where, at 2:17 a.m., nearly every child mysteriously leaves their homes and ventures into the unknown night. It’s a gripping horror saga filled with suspenseful tension, and boasting one of the most spine-tingling endings I’ve witnessed all year.

Weapons’ Secret Sauce Is In The Structure

The narrative primarily revolves around Justine Gandy, portrayed by Julia Garner, a teacher who faces intense public scrutiny when her class disappears. Overwhelmed by the enigma and eager to uncover any hint regarding the truth, she is joined by Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), a relentless parent of one of the missing children in their pursuit for answers.

The description provided is somewhat vague, but allow me to clarify further. Weapons, much like a Barbarian, possesses an individualized design. Unlike the Barbarian, which featured a sequence of longer sections with significant twists, this film follows a similar pattern of episodic progression.

In this narrative, various parts focus on distinct characters’ viewpoints, weaving together the storyline. We follow Paul, portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich, a police officer, then shift to principal Andrew Marcus, played by Benedict Wong, and finally, Gladys Lilly, who is Amy Madigan’s character, the visiting aunt of one of the children.

As a film enthusiast, I must say this movie serves as a testament to the remarkable talents of Julia Garner and Josh Brolin. Both actors deliver outstanding performances that truly stand out. Julia Garner masterfully portrays a character who is at once strong-willed and resilient, yet vulnerable and in pain. She convincingly captures a wide array of emotions, even slipping into moments of seductive charm, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. On the other hand, Josh Brolin delivers a gripping portrayal of a tormented father grappling with loss and anger. His performance is crucial in driving the heroes’ investigation forward, adding a vital layer to the narrative.

In every aspect, the performances are top-notch, particularly Amy Madigan who delivers an unsettling portrayal of a peculiar child’s aunt. Her character has her quirks, to put it mildly. This performance is both strong and unforgettable. The movie provides ample opportunities for each character to excel and make their mark, primarily because it structures its chapters around them, offering a fresh and engaging approach.

In Its Best Moments, Weapons Feels Evil (Complimentary)

Choosing to unfold the tale across multiple chapters, each focusing on a unique character’s point of view, is not only clever but also effective in storytelling. By giving prominence to each character’s individual perspective, we get access to exclusive information that sheds light on horrifying truths while maintaining an air of enigma about other aspects.

It consistently offers distinctive perspectives on current events, maintaining a distinct atmosphere in every segment of its exploration.

In Cregger’s work, the control over tone and structure stands out notably, and the movie generally preserves suspense while infusing the story with an ethereal atmosphere. The change in viewpoint generally functions effectively, although it unavoidably lessened the tension in a few spots where the tension was escalating significantly.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the storyline of this flick remained engaging, even though there were moments when it seemed to falter. The suspense resurfaced as the tale unfolded, however, it wasn’t consistently tight-knit throughout some sections.

As a movie buff, I must admit that the film shares some striking resemblances with “Barbarian” in terms of recurring themes surrounding its villains. Moreover, there’s an unsettling demographic dynamic at play which merits deeper exploration, but discussing it further could potentially spoil key elements of the film.

The narrative might be enhanced with a bit more specificity about the events unfolding, but the main points become evident as the story progresses. In essence, “Weapons” delivers an exceptionally gratifying ending that ranks among the best this year has offered.

In summary, “Weapons” is an outstanding choice. Garner delivers an exceptional performance, the central enigma keeps one intrigued, and Cregger demonstrates a strong command over both tone and construction, effectively crafting mystery and sustaining tension.

In an unusual twist for a horror movie, there are moments when it seems genuinely menacing, as if some terrifying presence is hiding right at the edge of the screen. This is quite uncommon, which makes the experience all the more chilling and memorable.

Final Rating: 8/10

Weapons premieres in theaters August 8, 2025.

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2025-08-06 01:24