If you've seen Zach Cregger's previous horror movie, Barbarian, you probably went into his follow-up, Weapons, with a bit of a "what the heck" feeling. And let me tell you, this movie does not disappoint in the "what is even happening" department.
The premise is a chilling, simple mystery: all but one child from a single elementary school class vanish one night, leaving a small town in a state of mass panic and grief. What follows is a clever, multi-layered story told from the perspectives of different characters, including the class's teacher, a grieving father, and the one kid who was left behind. The way the movie jumps between these viewpoints is really unique and keeps you guessing as the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together.
The cast is phenomenal. Julia Garner is incredible as the teacher who gets unjustly blamed for the tragedy, and Josh Brolin brings a real, raw intensity to his role as a desperate parent. The movie perfectly balances genuine, unsettling horror with some moments of pitch-black humor that catch you off guard, which is a signature of Cregger's style. It's a truly wild ride that doesn't hold back on the suspense or the shocking visuals.
However, the film’s biggest challenge for some viewers might be its big reveal. The ending takes a sharp turn into the supernatural, which might not work for everyone, especially if you were hoping for a more grounded explanation. It’s the kind of movie that’s more about the experience and the escalating madness than a neat, tidy resolution. Overall, if you like your horror movies unpredictable, tonally daring, and don't mind a little bit of a "wait, what?" ending, then Weapons is definitely worth checking out.
