#REVIEW: “WEAPONS”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Writer-Director Zach Cregger’s sophomore effort is a triumph.

Cregger’s follow-up to the knockout Horror hit of ’22, Barbarian, is this eerie Horror-Mystery about missing kids in a small town. One night at 2:17 AM, all the children from Ms. Gandy’s (Julia Garner) classroom, except one, walked out of their homes and into the night. This sparks an outrage in the town with parents demanding answers about what happened.

It’s essential to be discreet when reviewing an enthralling mystery like Weapons. As not to spoil the wondrously creepy and surprisingly funny story Cregger’s has crafted, we won’t give away too much. That being said, we aren’t perfect. So, read below with caution.

Just like Barbarian, Weapons will go down as one of the standouts of modern Horror. Although Weapons feels more like a mystery with extremely well-executed suspense, gore, and a masterful use of jump scares. Cregger’s tells the story through an unconventional structure of character perspectives that builds mystery and suspense while simultaneously revealing answers. The character perspectives feel like chapters in a novel.

We first follow Ms. Gandy and one of the missing children’s father’s Archer (Josh Brolin). Following these two storylines brings audiences into this world of adults grieving, yet not losing hope for these missing children. These characters are in the hands of heavyweight talent. Brolin is at his finest as a grief and guilt-stricken father, and Garner portrays a caring and direct teacher whose concern outweighs her fear. Cregger’s brings these character chapters to a spine-chilling halt. Allowing for minimal — unsettling — answers and further questions. Just like the best mysteries.

The remaining group of character perspectives are: policeman Paul (a strong Alden Ehrenreich), drug addict James (a scene-stealing Austin Abrams), principal Andrew (a formidable Benedict Wong), and finally the sole child left behind, Alex (powerful newcomer Cary Christopher). Through each, we learn more about why these children ran off and are introduced to an integral character, Gladys, performed by an unforgettable, hilarious, and terrifying Amy Madigan.

Miraculously, Cregger’s manages to tell this same story six times over while never making it redundant. Each character is an integral piece to finishing the impressive puzzle he created. These perspectives allow for the truth to become exposed. Along to journey, Cregger’s drops little gifts. Some give answers, while others allow audiences to squirm in the unknown. Cregger’s has a talent for mixing Comedy within the fear. He intelligently allows his audience a moment of levity in their tension.

Overall, Weapons is one of the best of the year. It’s a masterful mystery that’s rooted in character and original storytelling. It’ll make you jump, scream, squirm, and even laugh.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release WEAPONS on Friday, August 8, 2025.