Zach Cregger took the world by storm in 2022 with the release of “Barbarian.” The film was widely acclaimed for its originality, and audiences praised Cregger for taking risks other filmmakers wouldn’t even think of. “Weapons” is not only another hit for Cregger, but it further cements him as one of the best directors of horror working today.
“Weapons” tells the story of nearly an entire classroom of kids waking up, walking out of their houses and vanishing into the night. All but one child vanishes, and he and his teacher, Ms. Justine Gandy, played by Julia Garner, are berated and questioned by local authorities and townsfolk in response to 17 missing children.
A film like “Weapons” is perfect to go into completely unaware of any prior knowledge. If it were in the hands of another screenwriter and/or director, it probably wouldn’t have the same profound experience as the film does as it stands.
The story isn’t told in a traditional linear structure, but is instead told from the perspectives of many different characters, much like the plot of Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon.” This makes for a far more engaging story because the audience is learning information as the characters do. On top of that, each of the actors are given just enough screentime to shine.
Outside of her role as Ruth in “Ozark” (2017–2022), this is one of Garner’s best roles in recent memory. “Weapons” features a star-studded cast including Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong and Alden Ehrenreich. Although Garner’s Justine is more or less the lead, everyone in the film feels like they can easily take over and be the protagonist.
The standout of the film is Austin Abrams, who plays the character James. James is a seemingly homeless drug addict who stumbles into the film’s story in a way the audience likely won’t see coming. Compared to others, his role is small, but that doesn’t diminish Abrams’ performance.
He, like every other cast member, perfectly plays their character without it becoming a trope.
Like all affective horror films, “Weapons” creates the right amount of uneasiness where viewers will be disturbed but not so frightened that they leave the theater. The mystery element of what happened to the children is answered halfway through the film, and still, the audience will be glued to their seats, anxious to see what happens next.
“Barbarian” and “Weapons” are two examples of films that, with the correct creative mind, can each be considered among the best films of their years, respectively. There are many horror filmmakers of the modern age that come to mind when discussing quality films and unnerving story concepts.
Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, Oz Perkins and now Zach Cregger are a new generation of directors who will continue to take the horror genre to new heights horror filmmakers of the past haven’t reached.
The only child not to go missing is a little boy by the name of Alex, played by Cary Christopher. Child actors often are hit or miss, depending on how they are directed and what the writing looks like for the characters they’re playing.
Thankfully, Christopher does a splendid job performing the shy and sweet Alex, who is the heart and soul of the film. Cregger was smart for how and when Alex would be an important factor into the story and when he wouldn’t.
“Weapons” is a film unlike others in a variety of ways. Whether one is a fan of horror or not, one viewing of this film is essential if someone is a fan of an interesting premise, clever writing, good characters and enjoys watching movies in general.
Rating: 4/5
