Weapons
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Directed By: Zach Cregger
Written By: Zach Cregger
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, Cary Christopher, June Diane Raphael, Toby Huss, and Amy Madigan
Rating: R for strong bloody violence and grisly images, language throughout, some sexual content and drug use
Runtime: 128 minutes
Cregger’s boldness paves the way for his second foray into the genre, which is not only more daring but also remarkable—transcending being merely “good” or even “great” to become phenomenal. Though we’re still early in the year, I firmly believe that Weapons will be celebrated as one of the best films of 2025 and a standout cinematic experience. The narrative intricately intertwines character-driven stories, keeping viewers in suspense about what lies ahead, while invoking thrilling moments of fear and humor that will have audiences gasping and jumping.
Set in the fictitious town of Maybrook, the film opens a month into a terrifying mystery that has shaken the community. One fateful night, all but one child from a third-grade class vanished from their homes, running into the darkness with no explanation. Although authorities have doorbell camera footage showing the children running wildly, the lack of coordination or planned abduction leaves everyone baffled. The parents, frightened and confused, focus their anger on Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), their teacher.
Justine’s past is marred with disciplinary issues and, unbeknownst to everyone, an unresolved drinking problem; nevertheless, her concern for her students remains genuine. When placed on administrative leave, she doesn’t resort to inaction. Instead, she embarks on an investigative journey, leading her to intersect with various characters: Archer, a mourning father (Josh Brolin); Paul, her ex-boyfriend and a beat cop (Alden Ehrenreich); James, a thief battling addiction (Austin Abrams); Marcus, the school principal (Benedict Wong); and Alex, the sole child from her class who didn’t disappear (Cary Christopher).
Just as he did with Barbarian, Zach Cregger employs an unconventional narrative style to craft a chilling and captivating story.
Weapons adeptly conceals its mysteries, successfully withholding the core revelations until its thrilling conclusion, while expertly teasing audiences with its character-driven stakes. The film introduces Justine, a multifaceted character whose genuine affection for her students is palpable, skillfully portrayed by Julia Garner. As she follows her instincts, Justine makes pivotal discoveries. Just as connections begin to emerge… Cregger masterfully shifts focus, revealing fresh perspectives and new dimensions through Archer’s desperate quest to uncover the truth about his missing son.
What distinguishes Weapons is its unique structure; it’s not merely a Rashomon-style retelling of the same events but more akin to an anthology film tied together by continuous narratives and interconnected characters. Paul, entangled with Justine, becomes embroiled in subplots that showcase his own struggles, yet his trajectory aligns with the overarching chaos in Maybrook.
Everything unfolds with impressive flair, as Cregger enjoys playing with audience expectations—evident in the collective gasps that accompany each story transition. The storytelling weaves layers of intrigue, prompting viewers to ponder cliffhangers and awaiting thrilling resolutions, all of which are ultimately gratifying.
In the final act, the pacing momentarily decelerates to address crucial gaps in the narrative; however, this serves the ultimate goal: the climactic finale stands as one of the most electrifying cinematic experiences of recent years. I hesitate to elaborate on its complexity to avoid spoiling the experience, but I can confidently say that I’ve never witnessed such an electrifying reaction in an adult audience before.
Weapons brims with terrifying and unforgettable elements.
By this point, you’ve likely realized that Weapons excels not only in its captivating narrative but also in its chilling and unsettling atmosphere. Collaborating with cinematographer Larkin Seiple and editor Joe Murphy (a fellow Barbarian alum), Zach Cregger demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft lingering horrific images and impactful jump scares that will leave audiences speechless—never cheapening the experience. The haunting depictions of violence and gore are jaw-dropping, while equally impressive are the moments of haunting stillness and silence. The cast deserves commendation, as the genuine fear exhibited by the characters resonates deeply with the audience (Josh Brolin delivers a memorable “What the fuck?!”, evoking visceral reactions). While I aim to remain spoiler-free, I must shine a spotlight on Amy Madigan’s performance, which is destined to leave a lasting impression.
As a horror enthusiast, 2025 has been a delight so far. From Drew Hancock’s Companion to Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey, from Ryan Coogler’s Sinners to James Ashcroft’s The Rule Of Jenny Pen, and from Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein’s Final Destination: Bloodlines to Danny and Michael Philippou’s Bring Her Back, along with Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, this genre has been a standout highlight of the year, and Weapons is among the finest new releases. It’s intimate yet epic, terrifying while skillfully using humor for levity, and even the most ardent cinephiles will be taken aback by its surprises. A truly must-see film.
