Much like Jordan Peele, actor, writer, and director Zach Cregger made the leap from comedy to horror with remarkable success. One reason comedians often excel in horror is that both genres depend heavily on timing—whether it’s a perfectly delivered punchline or a well-executed scare, precision is everything.
Cregger’s 2022 film Barbarian was a surprise hit, earning $45 million at a time when audiences were still hesitant to return to theaters after COVID. His latest feature, Weapons, became an even bigger success, grossing $267 million and standing out as one of the most critically acclaimed horror films of the year, alongside Sinners (also from Warner Bros.). The film recently arrived on 4K UHD, and after revisiting it, I can confidently say Weapons remains one of the year’s best horror releases.
Set in the small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, the story follows elementary school teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), who becomes the target of suspicion after the mysterious disappearance of seventeen children—all of whom were her students. Each child fled their home at exactly 2:17 a.m., vanishing without a trace. Only one student, Alex, stayed behind. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, Principal Marcus Miller (Benedict Wong) places Justine on leave. Despite her suspension, Justine grows increasingly concerned for Alex’s safety and follows him home—only to discover his parents behaving eerily catatonic through a window.
Meanwhile, Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), the father of one of the missing children, launches his own investigation. Though he initially suspects Justine’s involvement, a series of bizarre events lead him to believe something far darker is at play, forcing the two to join forces in uncovering the truth. The closer both of them come to discovering what’s going on, the weirder the film gets.
Weapons is best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible; its unpredictable twists and turns are part of its charm. Amy Madigan delivers a standout performance as Alex’s aunt—a character intriguing enough to warrant a prequel of her own. The film’s final act is delightfully unhinged—more darkly funny than frightening—but it works brilliantly, culminating in a bold and satisfying payoff.
With exceptional performances across the board and striking cinematography by Larkin Seiple, Weapons is a must-see for horror fans and an essential addition to any collection.
Special Features:
- Director Zach Cregger: Making Horror Personal (featurette)
- Zach Cregger unravels the intricate origins of Weapons. In this insightful exclusive, he details the initial sparks of inspiration that ignited the project, revealing how elements of his own life experiences found their way into the film’s core.
- Weaponized: The Cast of Weapons (featurette)
- An ensemble piece showcasing the stark personalities and combative dynamic between the different characters, as well as the motivations that lead them down the path of mystery, conflict, and death.
- Weapons: Texture of Terror (featurette)
- Maybrook, a seemingly perfect town, harbors a darkness that runs deeper than its charming façade. Tom Hammock, along with key cast and crew, delves into the intricacies of designing the terror that grips this unsuspecting community.
By: Marc Ferman
