Weapons (2025)
Weapons is a striking and surreal horror-mystery from writer‑director Zach Cregger. It follows the unsettling disappearance of 17 schoolchildren—all vanishing at precisely 2:17 a.m.—leaving only one child, Alex, behind. Told through multiple character perspectives—such as the teacher (Julia Garner), a grieving father (Josh Brolin), and a police officer (Alden Ehrenreich)—the movie gradually unearths a sinister force:
Alex’s great-aunt Gladys, who wields witchcraft to manipulate and control others
The film excels at balancing eerie atmosphere, intense suspense, and moments of dark humor. Standout elements include a raw, memorable reaction from Brolin—a startled “What the fuck?!” that director David Fincher reportedly hailed as “the greatest line in R-rated history”. Amy Madigan’s portrayal of Gladys is haunting and mesmerizing, anchoring the film with emotional depth amid the surreal horror.
Metaphor and meaning in Weapons remain enigmatic. Some interpretations point to themes like trauma, addiction, and societal violence—especially with the imagery of children being “weaponized”—but the director has intentionally left these ideas ambiguous, favoring emotional impact and atmospheric dread over clarity.
Rating: 8.5/10 – A disturbing, original horror experience that rewards atmosphere, bold performances, and layered storytelling.