Film Review: Weapons

It’s funny when people say that creativity is dead in Hollywood, because yes there are a lot of sequels and remakes but sandwiched in between all of these films are some real hidden gems. Weapons is a film that demands to be seen on a big screen in what promises to be an original, creative film that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Filmmaker Zach Cregger broke onto the scene a few years back with his horror mystery thriller Barbarian. Barbarian, a bit like Weapons, is a film that has a simple premise but with a narrative that takes you through a rabbit hole of horror and mystery.

It would be a big disservice to explain the key concepts and themes surrounding Weapons as that would ruin a lot of the surprises. Myself, like a lot of audiences, went in not knowing what to expect. All promotional materials and trailers promised a story about children disappearing one night without any explanation. They were all part of the same class at school with Miss Gandy being their teacher. When Miss Gandy notices they’re not at school a police enquiry is made and the true mystery begins.

The cast of characters are all masterfully played by their respective actors. Not only that but the script is full of depth and nuance without too much over-explaining, which maintains the sense of mystery but also allows a lot of room for the visuals to do a lot of the storytelling. What you see, hear and feel is what drives the film with a lot of easter eggs which hint at what kind of story the film is trying to tell. The confidence that Zach Cregger has as a filmmaker is truly amazing. The tone and world he creates is dark, grey and all the characters have flaws which you don’t really get in a film like this. You’re gripped from start to finish, with each character playing an important part in the story. Every actor, from Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin and Julia Garner all shine in their roles and inhabit their characters wholeheartedly.

Weapons is a horror film as well, and the sense of uneasiness is built from the start of the film. You are kept guessing just what form of horror the film will take. Will it have bloodshed, is it supernatural, is it something completely new? These are the questions you will be questioning and the end result is something you wouldn’t expect. Without giving much away, the film boasts some incredible horror moments and some moments that could be easily seen as iconic in a few year's time with a lot of inspiration from these moments feeling reminiscent of Jordan Peele’s films as well. The imagery really does stand out and there are dream sequences which really do shock and equally make you jump. It is very rare for a horror film to chill me to the bone but this film managed that and that is in thanks to all of these elements.

Weapons is a masterclass in the genre and proves Cregger to be a filmmaker to watch in the future. It is incredibly hopeful to see a true visionary bringing new and original films to the big screen, especially in the crowded marketplace of superheroes and sequels. There is nothing bad to say about this film at all, you just have to succumb to the story and allow it to play out and you will be for one of the best surprise horror films of this generation.

★★★★★

5/5

Final Verdict:

Horror films recently just haven’t really hit the mark. A lot of the same ideas and stories are being told right now and not a lot really creeps you out anymore. Everything feels safe and predictable. It is completely refreshing to have Weapons come along that truly does shake up the genre and makes you feel terribly uneasy. The acting, the script, the tone and direction are all masterfully crafted to bring together a story that will leave you for days after the credits have rolled. Weapons is a film that shouldn’t be missed and should be experienced by every horror lover.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions