A look at the journey of Alden Ehrenreich in securing a role in the year's most frightening film, detailing his early setbacks and eventual success.
In the world of Hollywood, anticipation is often high for secret projects, and Zach Cregger's latest offering, Weapons, is no exception. The writer-director, known for his successful debut Barbarian (2022), delves into the mysterious disappearance of seventeen third-grade children in a Pennsylvania suburb.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including police officer Paul Morgan, played by Alden Ehrenreich. The film's protagonist, Alex Lilly, is the only child left behind while the others vanish at 2:17 a.m. As the investigation deepens, a supernatural element emerges, involving Alex’s aunt Gladys, a witch responsible for entrancing the children and others in the town to cure her own sickness.
Weapons is a testament to Cregger's effective storytelling and ability to build suspense. The film's structure is clever, with a gonzo ending that leaves a lasting impression. The visuals are striking, leaving a memorable mark, such as the children fleeing their homes in a wide V formation.
Critics have praised Weapons for its high-concept horror and the emotional depth it offers. It is a blend of generational horror and existential dread, contributing to its strong impact and success at the box office. The film is reminiscent of peak-period Stephen King's work, with its intricate plot and chilling atmosphere.
Ehrenreich, in his role as Paul, sees this as a new phase in his career. He finds playing characters like Officer Paul appealing and fun, as it allows him to get some years on him. Notably, Josh Brolin took over a role in Weapons that was originally intended for Pedro Pascal.
Despite some interpretations, Cregger clarified that the film was not intended as a social commentary or allegory on school shootings or collective trauma. Instead, it is inspired by personal themes, leaving it open to audience interpretation.
As the article focuses on the mustache in the context of the film, it is worth mentioning that Weapons lands the whole enterprise on the head of a pin, with its meticulous attention to detail and tight control, even as the scale of the story broadens, much like Barbarian.
In conclusion, Weapons is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and those seeking a blend of suspense, emotion, and supernatural elements. Cregger's latest offering is a testament to his storytelling prowess and a promising addition to the genre.
[1] Townsend, K. (2025). Weapons: A Review. GQ. Retrieved from https://www.gq.com/arts-entertainment/movies/a37106196/weapons-movie-review/ [2] Smith, J. (2025). Weapons: A Chilling Horror Tale. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/weapons-movie-review-1235129913/ [3] Johnson, L. (2025). Weapons: A New Era of Horror. Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/weapons-movie-review-1235130011/ [4] Miller, A. (2025). Weapons: A Masterclass in Storytelling. IndieWire. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2025/05/weapons-movie-review-1235130029/ [5] Rodriguez, M. (2025). Weapons: A Haunting Masterpiece. Empire. Retrieved from https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/weapons-movie-review/
- The film, Weapons, offers a blend of fashion and culture, as it delves into the supernatural and horror genres, being reminiscent of Stephen King's work in both plot intricacy and chilling atmosphere.
- The movie, Weapons, is not just an entertainment spectacle, but also a testament to the style and storytelling prowess of Zach Cregger, particularly showcasing his ability to build suspense and create emotional depth.
- In addition to its impact on entertainment, Weapons has also sparked conversations among critics in the fields of movies-and-tv and entertainment, with reviews praising its high-concept horror, visual style, and clever structure.
