Weapons has one of the most unique premises in recent horror. At 2:17 a.m., seventeen children from the same third-grade class mysteriously vanish. All except one. Sending a suburban town into panic and paranoia at the expense of the teacher, Ms. Justine Gandy, whose students have disappeared. The community is desperate for answers.
Cregger’s Fans Are Eating
Writer-director Zach Cregger unravels the mystery by presenting the story from various interconnected perspectives, including that of Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), grieving father Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), and troubled officer Paul Morgan (Alden Ehrenreich). The film starts as a slow burn, revealing only enough to get us invested before taking a turn.
A young girl narrates as the film opens, and we witness children doing a Naruto-style run out of their homes in the middle of the night. It feels like a fairytale gone wrong as Ms. Gandy enters her almost empty classroom only to find one student at his desk. We follow the story through the eyes of different people who are connected to the story until it’s revealed exactly what’s behind the disappearing act. And you’re not going to see it coming.
Technically a Great Time
Cregger returns with his atmospheric flair, delivering an eerie and thought-provoking setup with cinematic craftsmanship. Fans of Barbarian will recognize his direction, but Cregger one-ups himself here while leaning on the talents of cinematographer Larkin Seiple. The transitions are dynamic, fluid, and they come off as playful at times. There is one scene where the camera is following a child, and the result is undeniable perfection.
Performances across the board are compelling and probably my favorite thing about Weapons. Brolin delivers as a grieving father who isn’t going to lie down and depend on others to find his son. He’s aggressive yet heartbroken and letting his grief fuel his antics. Garner’s portrayal as a teacher, literally, in the midst of a witch hunt, was the weakest for me. Her vulnerability was lacking, and her dialogue feels slightly off, not always grasping any real emotional connection. Austin Abrams and Cary Christopher bring welcome humor throughout the film. Christopher, in particular, defies expectations as a child actor in horror, avoiding the usual clichés we’ve come to know. However, it was Amy Madigan as Aunt Gladys who was the standout performance for me. She’s truly terrifying and unhinged.
Does It Hit It’s Target?
Like his previous film, Cregger has a lot to say in Weapons. Echoing the ambition of Barbarian, Cregger injects themes of grief, abuse, societal breakdowns, and the horrors behind suburban walls. I mean really, these days, especially, what do you really know about what’s going on in the house next door? While his intent is clear, it’s the execution that ultimately stumbles. At times, it leans into the horror, adding in some exceptional practical effects and gore in certain sequences. There are even a few well-crafted jump scares to get the blood pumping. It’s entertaining, balancing the heaviness of the overall story with a dash of humor on the side.
Weapons is a technical masterclass with standout performances. It evokes a sense of dread within its familiar settings. The impact is more intellectual than visual. Resulting in it not quite delivering on the emotional weight of the plot. Still, it’s a bold and entertaining experience that fans of Cregger’s style can appreciate.
