"A chilling, uniquely twisted horror tale, featuring captivating characters"
In the realm of horror cinema, few films can boast the intrigue and suspense that Weapons brings to the table. Scheduled for release on August 8, this unique production, starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, promises to be one of the best horror titles of the year.
Weapons tells a chilling tale of seventeen children from the same third-grade classroom mysteriously disappearing simultaneously, leaving behind a lone boy, Alex Lilly. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, including Justine Gandy (Garner), the teacher blamed for the disappearances; Archer Graff (Brolin), a desperate father searching for his missing son; police officer Paul Morgan; and others.
As the investigation unfolds, the film delves into unsettling supernatural and psychological elements, including eerie dreams, a woman with clown-like makeup, and the children becoming catatonic in a basement. The narrative structure, divided into character-driven chapters with intersecting timelines, underscores a fractured community struggling with grief, blame, and hidden secrets.
Weapons explores themes of trauma, community suspicion, and grief. The trauma experienced by the children and adults leaves lasting scars, as the frightened, vacant state of the children upon their return symbolizes how deeply trauma changes people. The film balances psychological horror, supernatural mystery, and brutal violence, with moments of dark humor amidst the scares.
The director, Zach Cregger, who previously demonstrated originality in his horror movie Barbarian (2022), adds a twisted sense of humor to Weapons, often leaving viewers disoriented. The narrative jumps from one character to another, keeping viewers constantly bewildered and intrigued.
The cast is extraordinary, with notable performances by Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan. Three of the main actors have found success in Marvel films: Garner as Silver Surfer in "Fantastic Four: First Steps", Brolin as Thanos, and Wong as Wong.
Weapons also critiques the topic of guns in the United States with a metaphor, making it a thought-provoking addition to the horror genre. The movie features many children, similar to classic horror movies like The Village of the Damned (1960) and Who Can Kill a Child (1976).
In addition to the main characters, the policeman and the drug addict are among the other characters with complex personalities. The movie takes its time to describe the characters, their personality, and motivations, ensuring viewers can understand, identify with, and accompany them on their journey.
The teacher (Garner) and the father of one of the missing children (Brolin) also start investigating, adding layers of intrigue to the plot. The plot and the way Weapons unfolds are truly original, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Weapons is a perverse tale that includes a witch and a masterful, apotheotic finale. It keeps viewers on edge throughout, with unexpected twists, and addresses contemporary issues such as the importance of thinking for ourselves and the mania of finding culprits without evidence. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, Weapons is set to be one of the standout horror films of 2025.
The average viewer of movies-and-tv may find Weapons to be a refreshing addition to their entertainment roster, offering a unique blend of horror, dark humor, and psychological horror that sets it apart from typical scary flicks. Given the film's exploration of themes like trauma, community suspicion, and grief, as well as its critiques of contemporary issues such as guns in the United States, it caters to a wide range of interests within the entertainment industry.
