REVIEW:

WEAPONS, August 8th, 2025 (R) Dir. Zach Creggers. Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong.

    Where, oh where, have all the kids in Ms. Gandy's class gone? That is the question director Zach Cregger sets out to answer in this mind-bending, follow up to his phenomenal directorial debut, Barbarian. Headlining Cregger's sophomore effort is the stellar Julia Garner, who has had a stellar summer being the standout in both Wolf-man and Fantastic Four: First Steps. She equally shines here as alcoholic Justine Gandy, an elementary teacher who has had a troubled history in and out of work. It's her class that spearheads the story as all but one of the students in her class have fled their homes, arms wide open (no doubt to spark a TikTok trend) into the darkness never to be seen again. Gandy's lone student is Alex Lily, a child one step away from being a misanthrope after the tragic events left him in the media limelight. Lily is masterfully played by Cary Christopher in a most haunting performance. Joining Garner and Christopher is Josh Brolin who you can tell is having the time of his life with his well deserved scenery chewing role as one of the vengeful parents who lost a son in the mysterious incident and believes Gandy had some role to play in the matter. Rounding out the cast is Benedict Wong who plays to the strength of his versatility as Gandy's principal and mentor and Alden Erhenreich who gives a stellar offering as Gandy's ex and town investigator into the mysterious disappearance. None hold a candle though to Amy Madigan in a performance that would rival Nic Cage in last year's Longlegs. 

What further drives Weapons success is Cregger's masterful script which has a crafty way of unfurling the story. In addition, Larkin Seiple's cinematography is top par showing that horror movies can implement a creative, artistic feel without losing the fire that makes the genre such a powerhouse. In all Weapons is a late summer surprise that lives up to the hype. With thrilling imagery, superb acting, and concise directing, Weapons is a perfect treat  that unravels to an unnerving finish with a scene that is equally comedic, and horrifically satisfying.

CONSENSUS: Spread your arms and run to the local theater to see Weapons.

GRADE: A+