The new horror movie Weapons has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, quickly earning a reputation as an instant classic. The film has sparked comparisons to the work of Denis Villeneuve, positioning it as a must-see thriller when it premieres.
Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons follows his successful 2022 film Barbarian. The story centers on a mysterious event that disrupts a community when nearly an entire elementary school class suddenly disappears overnight, leaving one child behind. This chilling premise sets the stage for a tense exploration of trauma and uncertainty.
Notable Cast Brings Depth to a Mysterious Narrative
Julia Garner, known for her role in Fantastic Four, stars as Justine Gandy, the teacher overseeing the vanishing class. The film also features an impressive ensemble including Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Benedict Wong, who contribute to the movie’s intense atmosphere and complex character dynamics.
Director Zach Cregger’s Vision Shines Brighter Than Ever
Zach Cregger describes Weapons as “fun, scary” and “even weirder than Barbarian,” demonstrating his desire to push boundaries within the horror genre. Recent trailers have showcased tense moments filled with jump scares, demonic voices, and intense performances, signaling a gripping cinematic experience for horror fans.
Critics Highlight Artistic and Emotional Strengths of Weapons
Griff Schiller from FilmSpeak praised the film as a “masterpiece” and compared it to a blend of Denis Villeneuve’s crime thriller Prisoners and Paul Thomas Anderson‘s Magnolia, noting its mix of suspense and dark humor. Schiller elaborated,
“An absolutely BRILLIANT commentary on the attitudes and institutions during the fallout of a communal tragedy.”
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff added,
“WEAPONS rules. If you’re looking for a movie that keeps you on your toes from start to finish and delivers the unexpected time and time again, this is it.”
Another viewer declared that Weapons
“defines a genre, an instant classic,”
placing it alongside horror icons like Psycho, The Shining, and The Exorcist. The same viewer observed,
“Cregger’s storytelling reaches new heights, creating a new sense of what horror can be and can do. It’s one of the year’s best, maybe the best. An otherworldly experience!”
Additional praise focused on the film’s ability to provoke fear and suspense. One comment read,
“WEAPONS is downright terrifying and cements Zach Cregger as a strong voice in modern horror and a master of mystery.”
This reviewer continued,
“I can’t recall the last time a movie gave me chills like this one did. Extremely well-structured and executed with a talented cast. Buckle the fuck up.”
Reflecting on the film’s atmosphere, another viewer tweeted,
“WEAPONS is dark and unsettling in every way. You thought those tunnel scenes from BARBARIAN were intense? This whole damn film felt that way for me, a constant uneasiness that goes faint to heart pounding.”
What’s Next for Weapons and Horror Audiences
Weapons will debut in theaters on August 8, positioning itself as one of the standout horror features of 2025. The positive early responses suggest it will have a lasting impact on fans of the genre, with its unique blend of psychological tension, mystery, and emotional depth. Viewers anticipating the release can also explore other upcoming horror films to expand their watchlists as the year progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Denis Villeneuve’s religion?
A. Villeneuve explains that his background in Quebec influenced the making of Dune. He was raised as a Catholic, but like many French-speaking people in Quebec, he distanced himself from the church after the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s.
Q. Is Denis Villeneuve a feminist?
A. Villeneuve says his mother and grandmother’s feminist beliefs greatly influenced him. This impact was likely strengthened by Montreal’s publicly-supported film culture in the early 1990s.
