Zach Cregger, the mind behind the chilling Barbarian, is back at it again with a new horror flick titled Weapons. This film is already stirring some serious hype ahead of its release in U.S. cinemas on August 8, 2025. Early indicators suggest it could become a major player in the horror genre.
On its debut, Weapons earned a perfect score—100%—on Rotten Tomatoes, based on the evaluations from 11 critics:
The narrative dives into a bizarre and spine-chilling mystery. One fateful night, seventeen kids from the same class mysteriously disappear, leaving only one student behind. Justine Gandy, portrayed by Julia Garner, becomes the main suspect and focal point of this enigma—instantly, all eyes are on her as the community seeks answers.
No one is quite sure if the disappearances were intentional, supernatural, or if there’s something else lurking in the shadows.
Joining Garner is Josh Brolin as Archer Graff, a desperate father looking for his missing son. Cary Christopher plays Alex Lilly, the sole student who didn’t vanish, while Alden Ehrenreich takes on the role of cop Paul Morgan, who carries a painful history with Justine. The film also features talents like Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, each intertwined in this gripping story.
What’s setting Weapons apart in its early reception is its astounding critics’ feedback. With all initial reviewers raving about it, the film is said to balance sheer horror with unexpected humor. Rather than just going for jump scares, it seeks to explore deeper themes.
Director Cregger uses this storyline to reflect on how peer pressure can lead the youth into dangerous behaviors. There’s also a heavy emotional aspect and a mesmerizing atmosphere, as critics are praising the film’s ability to weave personal drama together with eerie and grand storytelling. Viewers are captivated by its unpredictability, featuring twists that avid film-watchers are unlikely to see coming.
In classic Cregger fashion, he employs unsettling imagery paired with dark comedic moments to keep audiences guessing. One reviewer described the film as “haunting and cerebral”, while also noting its “almost cartoonishly funny” moments. This rare blend of tones is exactly what is making Weapons stand out.
‘Weapons’ smartly combines horror and humor, creating an emotionally stirring experience almost as striking as the film itself.
Amidst scenes of gruesome violence, Cregger conveys a crucial message about the risks of group mentality and how it impacts young minds.
This film expertly oscillates between intimate character work and epic stories, delivering frights while skillfully injecting humor, leaving even seasoned cinephiles stunned by its surprises.
Weapons marks a significant leap forward for Cregger. It feels as if he took the strengths of Barbarian and refined all its flaws.
This film is a bold step up from Cregger, showcasing a filmmaker who still has much potential, but viewers may find themselves as conflicted as the characters on screen.
If the early buzz is any indication, Weapons is poised to be one of the biggest horror releases of next year. With a strong cast, an innovative storyline, and a director who already made his mark with Barbarian, this is definitely a film to keep your eyes peeled for.
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