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Weapons Review: 2025 Has Been Remarkable For Horror Movies, And This Is The Best One Yet

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In the realm of storytelling, it’s possible to bend or even shatter so-called “rules” and still create something captivating, as demonstrated brilliantly by writer/director Zach Cregger in his 2022 horror debut, “Barbarian“. At first glance, constructing a movie that spends 40 minutes establishing one narrative before suddenly shifting to an entirely new protagonist with no connection to the original plot might seem absurd. However, this apparent challenge becomes the film’s greatest asset, as it manages to take viewers off guard in such a way that they are freed from their expectations and left open to any thrilling surprise that may follow.

Weapons

* The movie is scheduled to be released on August 8, 2025.
* It will be directed by Zach Cregger.
* He also wrote the script for this film.
* The main cast includes Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, Cary Christopher, June Diane Raphael, Toby Huss, and Amy Madigan.
* The movie is rated R due to its strong violence with bloody scenes, frequent language, some sexual content, and drug use.
* It has a running time of 128 minutes.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on Cregger’s audacious second genre venture, “Weapons.” This movie is not just good or great; it’s phenomenal! With only halfway through 2025, I have no doubt that this film will be remembered as one of the year’s best and hailed as a remarkable big-screen experience.

The narrative style of “Weapons” is captivating, keeping you guessing about what’s coming next. It seamlessly weaves together character-centric vignettes that collectively form an epic, larger picture. The suspense builds, and just when you think you can catch your breath, it delivers jolts of terror, horror (and a few laughs) that will have you leaping out of your seat.

In essence, “Weapons” is a cinematic masterpiece that pushes boundaries, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and leaves a lasting impression. I can’t wait to see it again!

In the made-up town of Maybrook, the story unfolds a month into a baffling event that has shaken the community deeply. On an ordinary weeknight, all but one child from a third-grade class mysteriously vanished from their homes without a single trace. The authorities have some footage from doorbell cameras showing the children running at full speed, their arms outstretched, but they are puzzled since there’s no indication of any organization or kidnapping plot. The parents of the 17 kids are bewildered and frightened, with their teacher, Justine Gandy (portrayed by Julia Garner), becoming a focus of their anxiety.

Justine, with a past of misbehavior and an undisclosed alcohol issue, demonstrates deep concern for her students’ welfare. When she is suspended from her job, instead of idling at home, she embarks on a personal investigation. This investigation unexpectedly intertwines with the narratives of Archer (Josh Brolin), a mourning father; Paul (Alden Ehrenreich), an ex-boyfriend and former police officer; James (Austin Abrams), a drug-dependent thief; Marcus (Benedict Wong), the school principal; and Alex (Cary Christopher), the only student in Justine’s class who didn’t go missing.

As he did with Barbarian, Zach Cregger uses an unorthodox structure to tell a wicked and horrifying tale.

The film meticulously guards its secrets, unveiling them only in a climactic act filled with unexpected twists. However, it’s the characters that truly shine, creating tension and intrigue without relying solely on the enigma of weapons. The narrative commences with Justine, a complex character whose love for her children is undeniably genuine (beautifully portrayed by Julia Garner). Her feelings resonate with us as we become invested in her journey. Shrewd and tenacious, Justine makes crucial discoveries guided by her intuition. As the puzzle starts to take shape… Zach Cregger keeps audiences guessing by rotating protagonists, introducing fresh perspectives, and deepening the mystery further through Archer’s relentless pursuit of answers regarding his son’s fate.

What sets Weapons apart is not just a Rashomon-like array of viewpoints on the same events, but rather a film anthology with consistent continuity and interconnected characters. While Paul has complex romantic ties with Justine (a fitting description for their chaotic relationship), he’s not involved in the missing children case. Instead, he grapples with his own crises. His story is captivating on its own as he struggles to resolve conflicts he’s created, but it also becomes entwined in the escalating disorder brewing in Maybrook.

The presentation seamlessly flows with impressive flair and self-assurance, as Cregger skillfully teases his audience – a fact clearly demonstrated by the audible bursts of excitement that signal the transition from one segment to another. It’s structured in such a way that it leaves you constantly questioning and contemplating how various cliffhangers will be resolved, keeping you engaged at every moment. Each answer provided is delightfully satisfying.

In the climax, the movie temporarily slows down to provide necessary details, yet this pause is crucial as it leads to an incredible, fiery conclusion – one of the most breathtaking spectacles I’ve witnessed on the big screen in years. I hesitate to discuss the unique tone of the ending to preserve the surprise for viewers, but let me tantalize you by mentioning that I can’t recall the last time I sat in a theater filled with adults and experienced such an exhilarated response to a film.

Weapons is full of scary and unforgettable terrors.

It’s become clear by now, but let me clarify: “Weapons” isn’t just a movie with captivating storytelling; it’s also hauntingly terrifying and unsettling. Working alongside cinematographer Larkin Seiple and editor Joe Murphy (who previously collaborated on “Barbarian”), Zach Cregger skillfully creates chilling, lingering images and sudden jump scares that will make you leap from your seat, yet never feel tacky. The film includes brutal, unflinching moments of violence and gore that may leave your mouth agape, but it also features extended periods of stillness and silence that will take your breath away. The cast deserves significant praise for their authentic portrayal of fear; Josh Brolin’s shocked exclamation “What the fuck?!” after a massive shock is particularly memorable. While I won’t reveal any spoilers, I must highlight Amy Madigan’s performance in this film – her work will be remembered.

In 2025, as an enthusiast of horror films, I’ve been enjoying an abundance of delightful treats. Films like Drew Hancock’s “Companion,” Osgood Perkins’ “The Monkey,” Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” James Ashcroft’s “The Rule Of Jenny Pen,” Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein’s “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” Danny and Michael Philippou’s “Bring Her Back,” and Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later” have made horror the standout genre of the year. Among these fantastic releases, “Weapons” is the latest gem that has not only captured my heart with its intimate and epic storytelling but also left me startled by its unexpected twists. It’s a masterpiece that expertly blends fear with humor, ensuring even the most dedicated film lovers will be taken aback. In short, it’s a must-see for any horror aficionado.

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2025-07-28 22:15

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