Weapons Horror Movie Review
Zach Cregger’s Weapons horror movie review reveals a disturbing story about 17 children vanishing mysteriously, blending dread, dark humor, and gore. With Julia Garner and Josh Brolin leading a twisted narrative full of shocking turns, the film cements Cregger’s place as a bold voice in modern horror.
Image: IGN
A Haunting Premise Sets the Tone
Premiering on August 8, 2025, Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, opens with a gripping mystery. At exactly 2:17 AM, 17 third-graders disappear from their homes, captured running on doorbell cameras with arms stretched like ghostly airplanes. This disturbing start launches the audience into a psychological labyrinth set in the fictional town of Maybrook, Illinois.
Cregger, known for his 2022 sleeper hit Barbarian, again experiments with structure and perspective. Julia Garner portrays Justine Gandy, a teacher shunned by the community, while Josh Brolin plays Archer Graff, a grieving father entangled in the town’s chaos. Notably, The Guardian calls the film “jolting” but critiques its loose narrative, whereas India Today praises its “delirious, blood-soaked payoff.”
Masterful Blend of Horror and Humor
One of the film’s strengths lies in its seamless fusion of dark comedy and visceral horror. Drawing from his background in The Whitest Kids U’Know, Cregger injects levity into terror without compromising tension. The story unfolds in chapters, reminiscent of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, offering shifting perspectives—from Justine’s unraveling to Archer’s obsession to the drug-addicted James (Austin Abrams), whose comic relief adds balance.
Ryan and Hays Holladay’s eerie score deepens the suspense, while Larkin Seiple’s cinematography features dynamic tracking shots that pull viewers into the unease. Although some sequences drag, critics acknowledge that the film’s stylized horror compensates for minor lulls. Still, The Guardian argues that its foray into “witchy hag horror” lacks depth due to an underdeveloped mythology.
Powerful Performances Drive the Film
The performances elevate Weapons beyond a typical genre flick. Julia Garner captivates as Justine, her descent into fear and paranoia layered with vulnerability. Meanwhile, Josh Brolin brings gravitas as a father haunted by guilt and helplessness. Supporting characters like Cary Christopher’s Alex—the sole child not abducted—add emotional weight, even though a few side characters feel thinly written.
Notably, Alden Ehrenreich as a conflicted cop and Benedict Wong as a frazzled school principal enhance the ensemble. Their contributions, although limited, flesh out the film’s chaotic world.
A Bold but Flawed Vision
Unlike many modern horror films that rely on heavy symbolism, Weapons dares to confront trauma and hysteria head-on. Its final act explodes in gore and surreal imagery, leaving audiences reeling. Yet, this boldness occasionally undermines clarity. As The Guardian suggests, the film’s twists, while entertaining, sometimes oversimplify complex themes.
Nevertheless, the unpredictability is precisely what makes it exhilarating. For horror fans seeking intensity and innovation, Weapons stands out.
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Zach Cregger’s Rise in Horror
Following the surprise hit Barbarian, Cregger proves he’s more than a one-hit wonder. With Weapons, he pushes boundaries, mixing scares and satire in a uniquely disturbing package. Though imperfect, it’s a film that dares—and mostly succeeds—to be different. Audiences willing to embrace the chaos will find Weapons one of the most intriguing horror entries of 2025.
