Movie critique: The Enduring One
In the gripping modern thriller, "Weapons," directed by Zach Cregger, a small town in Maybrook, Illinois, is left in shock after the mysterious disappearance of 17 third graders from a single class[2][3][5]. The movie, a sophomore effort from Cregger, is more ambitious than his first movie, "Barbarian," and effectively portrays the quiet resilience of children, the savagery beneath suburban life, and the corruption of small-town police departments[6].
The film begins with a child narrator stating, "This is a true story," but this technique disappears shortly afterward. The story revolves around the baffling vanishing of these children at exactly 2:17 a.m., as seen on doorbell cameras, with only one child showing up at school the next day[1][2][3][5].
Suspicion falls heavily on their teacher, Justine Gandy (played by Julia Garner), who faces intense scrutiny and hostility from the community[1][2][5]. Gandy's character is complex, exhibiting pity parties, self-righteous outbursts, seductiveness, manipulation, and a growing reliance on alcohol to cope with the accusations against her[7].
Josh Brolin delivers a compelling performance as a broken father whose son was among the missing children. He is plagued by guilt over his inability to protect his child and is seen sleeping in his son's room[1].
As the story unfolds, Brolin's character later joins forces with Garner's character to uncover the truth behind the children's disappearance[4]. The movie maintains an atmosphere of dread, especially when the clock strikes 2:17 a.m., a reference to an earlier event in the story[6].
The film uses this event to explore themes of trauma, community response, and fear, rather than recounting an actual true story[1]. There are no records or credible reports outside the film indicating that 17 third graders vanished from a class in Maybrook, Illinois, in reality[1].
"Weapons" also features captivating performances from Amy Madigan as an oddball aunt of the surviving child and Austin Abrams as a local drug user and low-level criminal, providing comic relief[6]. The movie is at its best before the final third, where an outside force responsible for the misery is revealed[5].
The movie's title song, "Beware the Darkness," effectively sets the tone for the film, contributing to its overall success[8]. Despite the initial claim of the story being true, it is essential to note that the disappearance of the 17 third graders is a fabricated mystery and not based on an actual case[1][2][5].
In the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, the captivating thriller "Weapons" weaves a tale of mystery and suspense, delving into themes of fear, trauma, and community response. The story unfolds within the small town of Maybrook, Illinois, where the disappearance of 17 third graders leaves an indelible mark on the town's residents.
