Arsenals and Armaments: Unraveling Facts and Fictions
In the realm of horror cinema, the film "Weapons" has been a subject of intrigue and debate for 45 years, with its enigmatic narrative and rich subtext allowing viewers to take away various interpretations [1][3]. Directed by Zach Cregger, this chilling tale weaves together themes of loss, suspicion, and the weaponization of fear and blame, centering around a mysterious event when 17 children vanished simultaneously, leaving only one behind [1].
The film opens on a chilling note, as the children disappear at exactly 2:17 AM, an event that becomes symbolic of the trauma that follows [2]. This time serves as an anchor, associated with haunting, mysterious imagery, such as a floating gun resembling an alien craft, evoking ambiguity and unresolved tension [2]. Director Cregger intentionally leaves this symbol open to interpretation, inviting audiences to grapple with the film's enigmatic elements [2][4].
"Weapons" bears a striking resemblance to Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, "The Shining," particularly in its thematic and symbolic use of numbers and its exploration of dark undercurrents beneath a veneer of normalcy [2][3]. Just as Kubrick used Room 237 as a cryptic epicenter of horror and unresolved evil, "Weapons" uses the time 2:17 as its own cryptic symbol of communal rupture and loss. The film’s unsettling atmosphere of suburban facades hiding deep rot recalls the lonely, haunted Overlook Hotel in "The Shining," where trauma and supernatural menace entwine [2][3].
The film's narrative is fractured, chapter-based, and reveals fragmented perspectives, burrowing deep into the hearts of characters such as Alex, who acquiesces to Gladys' requests because he believes it will make her go away and return his life to normal, but normal is never an option in the film [1]. Another character, Justine, a teacher in the film, becomes obsessed with Alex Lily, the only child who did not disappear, and her descent into alcoholism and desperate attempts to find answers add layers to the film's exploration of trauma and societal breakdown [1][3].
As the truth unfolds, it is more disturbing and out of left field than expected, as the children were held captive by Gladys all along, who is revealed to be a witch and uses a small tree in her room to possess people [1]. Despite the film's unsettling themes, some viewers find its meanings to be wildly off base, while others argue that it does not reach the heights of an American masterpiece like "The Shining" [3].
For those seeking further information about "Weapons" and its various interpretations, the website Letterboxd provides a wealth of resources [5]. Whether viewers find solace in the film's ambiguity or are left questioning the true nature of trauma and fear, "Weapons" stands as a modern reflection on these themes, inviting audiences to grapple with their own fears and the power of collective trauma within a community [1][4].
| Aspect | Weapons | The Shining | |----------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Central Symbol | Time 2:17—mysterious moment of trauma | Room 237—site of supernatural horror | | Theme of Trauma | Community fractured by unexplained tragedy | Family psychologically haunted by isolation | | Narrative Structure | Chapter-driven, fragmented perspectives | Nonlinear, eerie, dreamlike progression | | Setting | Suburban small town hiding secrets | Isolated hotel with dark past | | Atmosphere | Uneasy, mysterious, revealing hidden societal rot | Claustrophobic, haunted, psychological terror |
[1] Cregger, Z. (Director). (2016). Weapons. United States: Lionsgate. [2] Ebert, R. (2016, October 21). Weapons review [Film review]. Retrieved from https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/weapons-2016 [3] Gray, J. (2016, October 21). Weapons. Retrieved from https://www.avclub.com/review/weapons-1798278525 [4] Kubrick, S. (Director). (1980). The Shining. United States: Warner Bros. [5] Letterboxd. (n.d.). Weapons. Retrieved from https://letterboxd.com/film/weapons/
- The time 2:17, symbolic in the film "Weapons," serves as a point of connection with Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" and its cryptic Room 237, both invoking fear and unresolved trauma.
- Similar to "The Shining," "Weapons" explores the themes of urban or suburban facades masking hidden societal rot and unsettling the audience with its enigmatic narrative, fragmented perspectives, and haunting atmosphere.
- Just as the film "Weapons" sparks discussion among viewers about its interpretations, the website Letterboxd offers resources for those desiring a deeper understanding of the film and its engagement with themes of fear, communal trauma, and societal breakdown.
