When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
The premise for Weapons is so eerie that it sells itself before the trailer even ends. Why did seventeen children disappear in the middle of the night, from the same classroom, at the exact same time, never to be heard from again? This question would be at the top of anyone’s mind, constantly begging to be answered.
This is a rare and uniquely told story in the world of horror entertainment. It’s not just another forgettable horror film—it’s a triumph that sets a new bar for what is possible in the genre. Also mixed with a realistic flair of comedy, director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) not only knocks this out of the park but sends it far beyond into the next stadium. He may have broken a few bats along the way in his efforts to cross every “t” and dot every “i,” but the film delivers on everything the marketing promised.
There are moments when you feel as if you’re wandering through someone else’s dream—following them closely, unsure if they’re aware of your presence, and certain that you could be spotted at any time. A smart person would leave, but you can’t. You’re stuck with no escape, trying to figure out the puzzle—this maze, this movie. Saying it’s uncomfortable at times is an understatement, but it’s discomfort in an engaging, mysterious fashion. The story is so complex that you find yourself rooting for characters even when you don’t like them.
Justine Grandy (Julia Garner) is one of those characters—a selfish, delusional damsel in distress who only thinks of herself and doesn’t listen. However, the adventure—or nightmare—she’s tangled in supersedes these shortcomings and holds your attention. As an audience member, you’re willing to set your differences aside to make sense of the chaos. This is true of all the characters, each of whom receives a respectable amount of screen time.
The film is not told in a linear fashion from start to finish, but rather through the same story repeated from the perspectives of multiple characters. It’s an interesting narrative choice that maintains your attention for the bulk of the film.
Weapons is also shrouded in darkness—both literally and metaphorically. For the best viewing experience, it’s best to go in knowing as little as possible. Despite the daunting themes, there’s a healthy dose of mature humor that will catch you off guard. Not just chuckles—laugh-out-loud moments. You’re fully invested in the journey, feeling what the characters feel, and given the nature of the investigation, you can relate completely to their reactions. Even at the film’s most intense climaxes, it still manages to be both humorous and frightening.
This is also a psychological horror film. Some of the things characters do to themselves—and to each other—are deeply unsettling. It’s hard to imagine anyone watching certain scenes without turning away in disgust. They’re that disturbing. You want it to stop, but it doesn’t. It goes on and on. And even when you turn away, you can still hear it. As promised by the trailers, this film delivers, especially with the line: “A lot of people die in some really weird ways in this story.”
That said, while great, the film still has a few shortcomings. Some characters don’t seem to use common sense or react as a real person would. For example, the fact that a policeman doesn’t call for backup during a criminal investigation is absurd. Multiple characters also fail to dial 911 in emergencies. In today’s world, everyone has a cellphone, but this fact is conveniently ignored in order to maintain dramatic tension. It’s also unrealistic for a store clerk not to call the police when two grown men are fighting to the death inside and outside his shop.
There are some plot holes, though many are eventually addressed. Still, the script occasionally asks too much suspension of disbelief, especially regarding what a cop or FBI agent is capable of. The fact that law enforcement can’t solve the mystery, but random civilians can, borders on comical.
It’s not a perfect film, but it’s certainly one to remember—and one that will get people talking. There’s a strong chance it will meet your expectations, even if they’re sky-high. You’ll be entertained, without a doubt, by what is easily one of the more enjoyable films of the year. It’s spooky, scary, frightening, and more. It hooks you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the credits roll. Whether or not it’s based on a true story, the thought that something like this could happen will haunt you. Be prepared for a wild, comedic, chilling, horrifying, and exhilarating ride that will leave you shocked—and possibly rushing to the restroom—when it’s all over.
Video Review:
Official Trailer:
Official Trailer 2:
