WEAPONS Is a Wild, Wicked Ride (Review)

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In his two films, Cregger has firmly established a unique blend of horror and humor, with his comedic touch consistently present throughout the terrifying sequences. Both “Barbarian” and “Weapons” contain surprising, cumulative moments that keep viewers guessing about what’s happening, but never fully revealing the truth. Additionally, Cregger introduces eerie, occult events into suburban settings, crafting suburban legends. This is particularly evident in “Weapons,” where an unseen schoolgirl serves as the narrator, sharing a version of events that the news won’t disclose. As a result, we’re left questioning whether what we’re watching is reality, a child’s imagination, or a blend of both.

A significant aspect of this film is the enjoyment derived from observing the narrative unfold, hence I won’t delve too deeply into the plot details. From what you may have seen in the previews, the story revolves around a peculiar incident: a town where 17 out of 18 students from a specific elementary school class mysteriously left their beds at exactly 2:17am and ran off into the night, their arms extended like an airplane. The mystery lies in discovering where they went and understanding why only these children were involved. There’s widespread suspicion, particularly towards father Archer Graff (played by Josh Brolin), who accuses the teacher, Justine Gandy (portrayed by Julia Garner).

The narrative progresses by focusing on different characters, such as Justine, Archer, Paul (portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich), Marcus (played by Benedict Wong), James (Austin Abrams), and later Alex (Cary Christopher), the sole boy in the class who didn’t vanish, as their paths cross and they contribute to the unfolding of events.

The film initially offers a few tense moments at the start, ensuring you stay alert, but primarily focuses on introducing characters and exploring their experiences following an unusual event. As the story unfolds, puzzle pieces fall into place and the violence intensifies significantly. The sustained, gruesome action scenes are accompanied by some truly unsettling imagery that enhances the fear factor, although they mainly serve to enhance a persistent feeling of unease. Cregger skillfully employs the eeriness of distorted or exaggerated human features for maximum impact. The climax is one of the most daring and grotesquely amusing scenes I’ve witnessed in a film.

To preserve the thrill of the movie’s unexpected moments, I find myself rather reluctant to discuss my favorite acting scene in detail. The character is so uniquely terrifying, it feels like a creation specifically for horror films, and this one delivers in a way that only top-tier horror movies can. Although we usually strive to maintain decorum and not display reactions like staring, giggling, or shuddering, you might find yourself thinking “That actor resembles a ____,” and the movie validates our suspicions. I believe this performance will be remembered as a pinnacle of modern horror cinema.

Just like the title “Barbarian“, the title “Weapons” allows each viewer to interpret it in their own way. I have my own theories as to what it might represent, and I’m eager for conversations about its potential meanings and possible referents. That’s what makes “Weapons” so intriguing. It offers a complete, chilling, humorous narrative that continues to puzzle even after you understand more of the context. You learn why things are happening without ever truly comprehending why. Ambiguous horror at its best. I can’t wait to watch it again!

Weapons hits theaters August 8.

⭐ (4.5 of 5)

Kyle Anderson serves as the Senior Editor at TopMob, where he also hosts a weekly pop culture exploration podcast called Laser Focus. His film and television reviews can be found here, and you can follow him on Letterboxd for more updates.

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2025-08-05 22:10