With his 2022 breakout hit Barbarian, writer-director Zach Cregger proved he had a knack for subverting genre expectations and crafting genuinely unnerving narratives. Now, with his highly anticipated follow-up, Weapons, Cregger delivers another shocking and inventive horror film that is both a worthy successor and a powerful statement on its own.
Weapons immediately sets a chilling, mysterious tone. The film opens in the quiet suburban town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, where seventeen children from the same elementary school class vanish simultaneously at 2:17 a.m. One child, Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), is the only one to remain. The community, and the audience, are left in a state of profound disorientation, questioning who or what is responsible for this mass disappearance.
The narrative structure is one of the film's most compelling elements. Rather than a linear story, Weapons unfolds in a chapter-based format, with each section exploring the same mysterious event from a different character's perspective. We follow the frantic teacher, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), who is ostracized and blamed by the town; the grieving father, Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), who spirals into paranoia; and a local criminal (Austin Abrams), whose seemingly unrelated story ultimately entwines with the central mystery. This Rashomon-esque approach allows for a slow, agonizing reveal, with each new perspective adding a layer of dread and complexity to the horrifying events.
The performances are universally strong, with the impressive cast giving life to Cregger's deeply flawed characters. Julia Garner embodies the role of a woman under immense scrutiny, her nervousness palpable. Josh Brolin, as the heartbroken father, brings a raw intensity to his portrayal of grief and suspicion. The real scene-stealer, however, is Amy Madigan as the mysterious woman named Gladys, who is at the center of the supernatural mystery. Her unsettling performance is key to the film's terrifying final act.
Just as with Barbarian, Cregger deftly blends horror and dark humor. The humor isn't delivered through punchlines, but rather through the authentic, often absurd reactions of characters caught in unimaginable circumstances. This tonal balance, along with Larkin Seiple's atmospheric cinematography and the pulsating score, creates a constant sense of unease. The film's suburban setting becomes a character in itself, revealing the savagery and quiet desperation that can lurk beneath a seemingly idyllic facade.
Some critics have noted that the film's twisty, labyrinthine plot can, at times, feel a bit "hokey," but for those willing to go on the ride, the payoff is immense. The film’s masterful construction keeps viewers hooked, and the explosive finale is both shocking and satisfying.
Weapons is an exceptionally well-made horror film that solidifies Zach Cregger's reputation as a daring and original voice in the genre. It’s a nail-biting, armrest-grabbing mystery that will stay with you long after the credits roll. For fans of smart, unpredictable horror, this is an absolute must-see.