A Gripping Descent into Psychological Horror

Following the remarkable success of Barbarian, director Zach Cregger returns to the horror genre with Weapons, an audacious psychological horror/mystery that cements his reputation as one of the most innovative filmmakers working today. 

Expectations were high, and Cregger has not only met them but exceeded them, delivering a film that both unsettles and enthrals its audience.

Weapons centres on a chilling premise: all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on a single night, plunging their community into confusion and fear. The disappearance sends shockwaves through the town, with parents, teachers, and neighbours scrambling for answers. At the heart of the narrative is the search for truth, fear of the unknown, and the unravelling of secrets that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

Cregger crafts the story in a Stephen King-inspired format, dividing the film into chapters each focused on a different character’s perspective. This approach allows the audience to experience the mystery from multiple angles—before and after the disappearance—deepening the psychological complexity and bringing to life the town’s collective trauma. The layered storytelling not only keeps viewers guessing but also rewards close attention to detail as characters’ truths and motives come to light.

The screenplay is executed with deft precision. Cregger masterfully builds tension through sequences that are both eerie and deeply disturbing, with each chapter revealing new pieces of the unsettling puzzle. The film’s atmosphere is thick with dread, punctuated by small, chilling details and moments of psychological unease that accumulate until the narrative explodes in a violent, unforgettable climax. 

Weapons is not just a story—it’s an experience in suspense and terror.

Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) and Julia Garner (Ozark) are outstanding as the parent and teacher, respectively, drawn into the central investigation. They bring authenticity and emotional depth to their roles, making the audience feel every moment of uncertainty and fear. But it is veteran actress Amy Madigan (Field of Dreams, Twice In A Lifetime) who truly steals the show, portraying the creepy Aunt Gladys with a show-stopping bravura. Exuding an unsettling charisma, Madigan’s performance is utterly captivating—she embodies the film’s disturbing heart and leaves an indelible impression long after the credits roll.

Weapons is a haunting, expertly crafted psychological horror that challenges and delights in equal measure. With its King-esque narrative structure, razor-sharp script, and powerhouse performances—especially from Madigan—it stands as one of the year’s essential genre offerings. For lovers of horror and mystery, this is a film not to be missed.

Now showing in cinemas.

-Dirk Lombard Fourie