Julia Garner is having one hell of a year. Fresh off her scene-stealing performance as Silver Surfer/Shalla-Bal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, she continues her streak of success as the lead in Weapons. Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons begins with a genuinely intriguing premise, successfully laying the groundwork for a story that feels mysterious and fresh without coming off as derivative (a difficult feat in horror filmmaking today). From the start, a quiet tension builds steadily, prompting the audience to piece things together as the layers unfold.
What truly elevates the film is Cregger’s spectacular direction. He demonstrates a clear command of mood and tension, crafting an atmosphere that’s both immersive and unsettling in the best way possible. From dimly lit interiors to nightmarish chase sequences, the tone remains consistently eerie, enhanced by clever cinematography and a restrained, effective score. While moments of genuine horror aren’t overly frequent, they’re impactful and well-timed whenever they occur.
Unexpectedly, the film also weaves in moments of humor. These brief comedic beats never feel out of place; instead, they offer welcome relief from the tension and enhance the experience by making the characters feel more grounded. Given the film’s serious and occasionally abstract tone, these lighter moments are a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, Weapons is bolstered by an exceptional supporting cast, including Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, and Josh Brolin.
One of Weapons’ biggest strengths is its non-linear structure. Scenes are presented out of sequence, encouraging active engagement and creating a sense of mystery as the narrative gradually comes together. It’s a creative approach that mostly pays off and helps the film stand out within the genre. However, this structure occasionally introduces pacing issues, as the film sometimes overextends itself while juggling multiple characters, timelines, and perspectives. The result is a story whose rhythm occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling overly drawn out.
The film’s misstep, however, lies in its antagonist. While the character conceptually fits within the world of the story, the performance is overly exaggerated, bordering on cartoonish at times. This zany portrayal clashes with the otherwise carefully crafted tone, momentarily pulling you out of the experience.
Still, Weapons remains an impressive and memorable entry into modern horror. Its inventive non-linear structure, expertly crafted atmosphere, and moments of well-placed humor largely outweigh occasional pacing issues and an over-the-top antagonist. It may not be flawless, but its ambition and artistry make it a standout horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
