The Wasteland Reviewer

Weapons (2025) Written Review

How would you react to finding out your child and their whole class at school ran out of their homes at 2:17 AM in the morning and just disappeared? This is such a wild and mysterious concept for Zach Cregger to tackle with his awaited follow-up to his shocking hit, Barbarian. Cregger has shown through his comedic background and the horrifying elements of his previous film that he has a penchant for mixing scares and laughs like some of the best out there. The marketing for this film has been excellent with camera videos of children running around a neighbor in the middle of the night were the first bits to trickle out. The trailers have done an excellent job to build anticipation without giving anything away (which is truly the case). But the time has come for the mystery to be unfolded on the big screen with the release of Weapons. 

Does Cregger bring his specific approach to this new effort? One of the best aspects of Weapons is the presentation of this wild story. The biggest twist of the film is just how hilarious it is. You might not expect that from the haunting marketing campaign (or even the first 10-15 minutes of the film) but Cregger settles in and delivers impeccable comedic timing and plenty of moments that will fill your auditorium with laughter. But there are certainly scares along the way as well (with one early one that will have the whole audience jumping out of their seats). Cregger affinity for balancing the foreboding and eerie atmosphere of the film and the darkly funny elements of the plot make this film feel like such a well-rounded and engrossing experience. The sharp camera work contributes to that experience as well as Cregger and cinematographer, Larkin Seiple, deliver some inspired work. There are impactful camera movements, uncomfortably long takes, and sharp editing and transitions through shots (great work by editor Joe Murphy) to deliver such an unnerving experience. Cregger works with Hays and Ryan Holladay to craft such a disturbing and poignant score that really ties the experience together. 

Can Cregger’s script possibility live up to all the hype? It sure does. There will be no discussion of narrative beats here but there will certainly be praise for the execution of it all. The tone is so essential to humor but so is the dialogue or structural set up…Cregger nails it. The use of dreams can be so frustrating in many horror films, but Cregger does a great job connecting it to trauma as well as connecting it narratively on a deeper subconscious level. The structure of the story is bold but excellently delivered upon with plenty of character-based perspectives that break up the narrative. There is something so satisfying and impressive when a grouping of narrative threads can be weaved together so effectively like Cregger does with this film. The narrative and structural approach is essential to building a sense of mystery and suspense with only a few fleeting moments where the length of the film can be felt. There are only minor plot elements that raise concern and they are quickly forgotten because how effective the execution of the film is. The characters all feel so fully realized as well with Cregger crafting a fun and engaging crew of characters to fill out this horror/comedy/mystery. 

What is the last element that makes Weapons feel so special? This cast delivers. Julia Garner is the young teacher of this missing class, and she balances a more public nervousness and fear with a boisterous, aggressive, and flawed presence. Garner delivers with presence, attitude, and some strong drunk acting for sure. There is a moment where she really lets the emotions flow, and it is one of the most powerful moments of the film. Similarly, Josh Brolin gets a moment like that as well, but his performance (as expected) is more forceful, strong (in presence), and brutish. But the nuance of his love and fear for his child allows Brolin to find some other gears as well. Alden Ehrenreich is a fun addition with all types of churning emotions bubbling underneath the surface as he gives off a presence that he can snap at any moment. Amy Madigan is a wild and bold addition to the cast (with little else to be said here). One of the most unexpected and hilarious additions is the unhinged and drugged out turn by Austin Abrams as the local junkie. The biggest standout is the young man who portrays the one student in the class that does not go missing. The narrative and emotion weigh on Cary Christopher’s shoulders is heavy, but he delivers in every way. Throw in the likes of Benedict Wong, Toby Huss, and June Doane and you have quite the ensemble. 

Does Cregger have another cinematic win on his hands? Weapons just might be one of the best films of the year…not just horror films. The expectations were high with the aftermath of Barbarian and the marking for Weapons and Cregger and company rise above them. The balance between atmospheric horror, jump scares, body horror, physical comedy, sight gags, and sharp dialogue make this film such a wild ride from start to finish. Limited blemishes will not deter the affecting experience that Weapons creates. Cregger has reached must-see status in the realm of genre filmmaking with the likes of Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, and Robert Eggers. BUT…go in with as little knowledge as possible. Let Weapons and Cregger take you for a ride unadulterated and fresh.