Weapons is a film that came out in early August. Online sites have relatively positive reviews regarding this film. Rotten Tomatoes shows over 5,000 positive reviews on Weapons, with only 319 negative reviews. IMDb gives Weapons a 7.9/10 from an average of 59,000 reviews. This film is definitely worth the watch, with only some minor flaws.
This film tells the story of a chilling mass disappearance in a small town. Seventeen classmates disappeared during the night at the exact same time, leaving only one child in Miss Gandy’s third grade class remaining: Alex Lilly. This mystery leaves the community with many questions regarding what led to this tragic event. Weapons is a very peculiar, innovative and terrifying story. While the film follows an intriguing plot, it is also highly disturbing. However, it does have some plot and logic inconsistencies that are fairly easy to notice. This film embodies a combination of the twisted nature of Midsommar (2019) with the horror of Sinister (2012). While the story is creative and interesting, there is not enough information revealed about the backstory and the outcome.
The acting within Weapons was altogether adequate, with some minor flaws. The leading lady, Justine Gandy, was played by Julia Garner. Garner is best known for her roles in Ozark (2017-2022) and Inventing Anna (2022). While she is very talented, Garner lacked depth and believability in this role. Her performance looked forced and overdone at times. However, all other actors were brilliant and authentic, specifically the child star. Cary Christopher, playing Alex Lilly, is a newer face in the film industry, known for his work in An Almost Christmas Story (2024) and High Potential (2024). In Weapons, Christopher showcased his incredible talent, allowing the audience to feel great sympathy for his character. By far, the most notable performance in this film is that of Amy Madigan (Gladys Lilly). Madigan, known for Field of Dreams (1989) and Grey’s Anatomy (Since 2005), came off as equally welcoming and chilling, leaving the audience with an intense sense of unease. Ultimately, the acting in Weapons is very fitting, but those behind the scenes also played a large hand in the success of this film.
Director Zach Cregger did an excellent job piecing this film together. Cregger is known for directing Barbarian (2022). In Weapons, he used a lot of camera work in order to create the suspense of the film, such as pan shots and dolly zooms. He also incorporated some intriguing tilt shots and angles. Perhaps the most suspenseful part of his camera work in Weapons were the creative and effective choices of blocking. Cregger would position actors and shots to give the audience just enough information to scare them, while keeping them at the edge of their seat for the information left unknown. Many people online have also claimed to be impressed with Cregger’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism, stating that while those elements were present, he made no attempt to overdo it. While some symbolism may have been overtly obvious, like a large AK-47 in the sky alluding to the weaponizing of the characters, this is a valid and understandable take. Cregger also did an excellent job at creating suspense throughout this film. There are many effective jumpscares and the music certainly amplifies that fear factor. So many of these choices worked together in order to allow this film to be so incredibly nerve-wracking. The directing in Weapons is altogether quite alluring, and this extends to other aspects behind the camera.
The cinematography in Weapons can be credited to Larkin Seiple, known for his work in Swiss Army Man (2016) and Cop Car (2015). As for this film, Seiple crafted an intriguing display of heavy contrasts and high definition. His most compelling choices in Weapons were rooted in the lighting of the film. Seiple made the lighting darkest at the scariest settings and scenes, sometimes almost purely black. This made for a very unsettling feel, allowing the sequences to ooze darkness and danger. Another aspect of this film that allowed it to be so unsettling was the special effects makeup used, which was incredibly realistic and gory. Ultimately, the cinematography in this film was certainly notable and allowed Weapons to be successfully chilling.
Weapons is a film worth seeing. All of the film’s components work together in order to construct its beautifully twisted, suspenseful and chilling nature. Despite some minor flaws throughout the film, Weapons is an unforgettable piece, unlike any other.
