IMDb.com
By Keith Walther
With an outstanding, unique concept that is equally fascinating and terrifying, “Weapons” is one of the better horror films to come out this year. Brilliant filmmaking execution and riveting performances elevate this production to another level. It’s finally a story that isn’t a sequel or a remake, but a creative exploration of a parent’s worst nightmare.
The quiet, small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania is shaken to its core when 17 children from the same class go missing at exactly the same time. Only one boy, Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), did not vanish like his classmates. A month later, there’s still been no signs of the children’s whereabouts or evidence of foul play.
The teacher of this class, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), has been the subject of suspicion for the townsfolk despite being cleared by police. Upset over the allegations and the missing children, Justine takes it upon herself to investigate. Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), one of the missing kids’ fathers, is obsessed that Justine knows more than she’s telling and is determined to find out what that is. As pieces begin falling into place, things take a strange, supernatural turn that may have lethal consequences for all involved.
Writer/director Zach Cregger rightfully received numerous accolades for his creative horror film in 2022 called “Barbarian,” and he follows that with an epic masterpiece in “Weapons.” He increases his degree of difficulty by arranging the storyline into a six-chapter format, each one focusing on a different character, and then carefully and cleverly intersecting these chapters for a cohesively seamless flow. Zach immediately generates interest in this strange mystery of the disappearing kids that harnesses a similar suspenseful vibe to “Prisoners,” only to remind his audience they are in a horror film with jarring jump scares and horrifying images that catch viewers by surprise. Then, he inserts some dark humor, especially into the conclusion, which seems counterintuitive but completely works for shocking laugh-out-loud moments.
The cinematography Zach employs is truly something to behold with long continuous shots and fluid camera movements that slowly alter the angle. He also uses a different sort of camera perspective from behind the central character of a scene. The combination of these revealing shots amps up the tension to a palpable level that is only enhanced with a complimentary creepy musical score. It would not be surprising to see this film honored with a Best Cinematography nomination or even a Best Director nomination, because this is creative filmmaking at its finest. Cregger is currently helming the new “Resident Evil” movie, which is due to release sometime next year. Can’t wait to see his vision for that franchise.
Three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner (“Ozark”), who recently appeared in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” as the Silver Surfer, is at the top of her game as the nurturing teacher with a penchant for overstepping her bounds. She exhibits humanizing flaws to her character, like excessive drinking and challenging authority, that make her relatable. She even incorporates subtle traits of inexperienced brashness and social anxiety that further roughen the edges of her character.
Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Milk”) brings his incredible intensity to this role as the outraged father desperate for answers. Alden Ehrenreich, who played the title character in “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” provides a scene-stealing performance as the local police officer continually compounding bad choices into worse ones. Also of note out of the supporting cast is Austin Abrams, a homeless junkie whose perpetual search for quick cash to score more drugs leads him into the central storyline.
Prepare to be fascinated, mystified, terrified, and overcome with laughter in this pulse racing thriller that is sure to make your spine tingle. “Weapons” is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, so don’t miss the opportunity to see it in theaters. Who knows, it may even capture a Best Picture nomination.
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