Weapons is a heart-pounding, intense, terrifying ride that will have viewers either on the edge of their seats or cowering behind their hands.
From the very first teaser trailer, I knew that Weapons was going to be one of my favorite horror movies of the year. I am thrilled to report that it did not disappoint, and had me screaming, laughing, and pressing my body as far back into my chair as it would let me. As a parent, this movie was especially triggering (but not in a bad way). I love to be scared. Weapons delivered on that.
The premise of Weapons is that at 2:17 am, every kid in Ms. Gandy’s class got up, walked out of their homes, and disappeared into the night. Honestly, this is a movie that is better and more effective the less you know about it, so go in as blind as possible.
A Terrifying Story… Especially For Parents
The mom in me is likely what caused such a connection to this story. I could not imagine what I would do if I lost one of my children, no matter what the circumstance, but to have no idea what happened to them? That is probably the scariest scenario. Weapons definitely leans into this, but not too much so that non-parents will not resonate with it.
Effective Jumpscares & Intense Moments
What is a horror movie without a good jumpscare or two? Weapons delivers on this front several times over, but it also doesn’t rely on them too much. The story being told here is a mystery at its core, which is what will keep viewers glued to the screen. The score and the intense up-close camerawork takes things to a whole new level, making the audience feel as if they are a part of the movie, while also causing their hearts to pound out of their chests.
Brilliant Storytelling
The structure of Weapons is easily the piece of the puzzle that works best. It is broken up into different parts that follow each character individually, rather than telling a complete story at once and in chronological order. This decision slows the reveal, keeping viewers in suspense until it is time to reveal everything that has been going on in this town.
This way of storytelling allows us to spend extended periods of time with each person, learning what they are all about and how they fit into all of the craziness going on. This was the best decision that could have been made, and really increases the intensity and suspense.
Overall Thoughts On Weapons
Probably my only real issue with Weapons is the title of the movie. While I see what they were going for, and the reason is eventually revealed, it doesn’t make complete sense or accurately describe the film. I am worried that it will keep potential viewers away. Something like 2:17 and Ms. Gandy’s class would have been far more effective.
That said, there was a lot to love about this movie for horror fans. My entire screening had people jumping out of their seats, hiding behind their hands, and laughing after they got scared. The actors all bring their A-game, with not even one weak link in the bunch.
While it purposefully takes a while to get there, the reveal is absolutely bonkers and unexpected when it arrives. Weapons is well worth seeing in a packed theater, on the biggest screen possible. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
About Weapons
From New Line Cinema and Zach Cregger, the wholly original mind behind Barbarian, comes a new horror/thriller: Weapons.
When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
Weapons comes to theaters August 8th.
NEXT: Freakier Friday Review: Filled To The Brim With Heart
A heart-pounding, intense, terrifying ride that will have viewers either on the edge of their seats or cowering behind their hands. Go in as blind as possible so you can fully enjoy this wild ride.
-
8
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.