On Aug. 8, Director Zach Cregger released “Weapons” — a thriller horror movie that brought a new flavor of scary to the table. The film follows a second grade class who all go missing at 2:17 AM — except one student and the teacher — leaving in the middle of the night with seemingly no motive. The film takes place over the course of the incident through various perspectives of each character. Non-linear story telling is prevalent throughout as the story is told through a series of chapters of a character's experience.
“Weapons” has contributed to a new phase of horror, giving a new taste of horror for fans of the macabre. The rising anticipation built throughout the film; it is well executed and creates an atmosphere that places the viewer into the film. The writer and director, Zach Cregger – who also directed and wrote “Barbarian” – has made a name for himself in the horror world, with “Weapons” grossing over $150 million, according to Collider.
“Weapons” created a villain that is evil, just to be evil. The main villain, Aunt Gladys, is not formally introduced until around the midpoint of the movie. However, during the various perspectives from the characters, she is seen in dream sequences to present that the character we are watching is being hunted. Gladys upped the suspense of the film, leaving us with more questions than just the missing children, with the viewer attempting to try and connect the dots as the film progresses.
I did enjoy the “Weapons” experience; I think the idea of villains being evil for the sake of being evil is so much fun. However, I would like to have seen more from this film such as more of the inner workings of Gladys. She does randomly appear, and her impact would have been stronger if we met her at the beginning. Though, I understand that writing mysteries has to be done a certain way. Enough to keep the viewer engaged, though enough to keep the thrill going. One thing I can say is that the jumpscares are not corny or overdone; they left me startled and ready for the next clue to unfold.
According to IMDb, “Weapons” has a 7.7/10 rating, the majority of watchers rating an eight. I would say I agree with this rating.
Prepare for spoilers ahead: Gladys uses a form of dark magic to possess those she wishes to control, but her intentions are not very clear. It seems that she uses the childrens’ lives to make herself younger or cure an illness, though that is never officially said. I would have liked to see a little more of how her magic works and what she needed so many children for exactly. Given the context clues, it may be obvious, though I would have liked the confirmation.
“Weapons” is a film worth watching. The movie brings the horror originality that the audience has been craving. Instead of another sequel or prequel, “Weapons” brings a different perspective of horror and creates an atmosphere that keeps the viewer guessing.
Every turn creates a totally different path that seems to lead us further from the truth. Even if I am left with a few unanswered questions, I don’t think that they were intended to be answered. “Weapons” is a great film for those who want thriller and mystery. I hope “Weapons” can bring forward inspiration for further original works to frighten a new generation of people.
Eve Padilla-Salazar is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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