Zach Cregger’s Weapons is an outstanding, original sophomore feature that cements him as one of the most exciting voices in genre filmmaking. While Barbarian was a breakout in its own right, Weapons feels bigger in scope in every way. Cregger plays with structure once again, building a complex, multi-perspective narrative that’s as much about the characters’ inner lives as it is about the central mystery. If I left the theater knowing one thing, it’s that Cregger is in complete control of both the movie and the audience.
Weapons chapter-based structure mostly worked for me, as the mysteries and revelations build gradually toward a bombastic finale. However, if I had one quibble, it’s that the film could’ve been trimmed down; a tighter edit might have made the storytelling even more propulsive. As an aside, I was really impressed with the camerawork throughout Weapons – there are a couple of scenes in particular where it’s deployed to sensational effect.
Tonally, Weapons is a tricky blend that Cregger pulls off with remarkable skill, much like Barbarian. It’s undeniably funnier than I expected, yet it’s juxtaposed with bursts of brutal, judiciously placed violence that throw the audience off balance. Again, it’s a testament to how firmly Cregger controls this film from start to finish.
Across the board, the performances are strong. Julia Garner – an actress who has shined across genres – really hit her stride in horror with this film and Wolfman. Josh Brolin also delivered more emotional nuance than I expected from him. But my gosh, Amy Madigan was a revelation. She delivers a tour de force performance – equal parts chilling, magnetic, funny, and unhinged. The movie simply does not work without her, and I’ve been thinking about that performance long after the credits rolled. As for the ending, I found the mystery’s resolution satisfying and thrilling, though I know the final moments will be divisive for audiences. All in all Weapons is bold, unsettling, and exhilarating second feature that proves Cregger is here to stay.
