Weapons (2025)

I’m pretty late to the party but it does feel good to catch back up on the films of 2025 and see what everyone couldn’t stop talking about at the time, and I must say, it was pretty much worth the hype. Horror isn’t my favorite genre but I always enjoy a good scare every now and then and that’s exactly what I got when I finally watched Weapons. This was the movie that terrified me more than my anxiety about someone judging me would and I can’t remember the last time I saw a film like that. I know there’s been some pretty crappy horror films over the years and I am so thankful that this film wasn’t one of them. Not only did I actually find myself jumping out of my seat a few times but I couldn’t find a moment during the movie where my eyes left the screen. I guess that’s just the power of a well-told horror ride like this one. I feel bad that I didn’t catch this film in the theater when I had the chance but I still had a pretty neat experience on the small screen. I have more to say about this intense journey so, let’s open the door we probably shouldn’t.

     The story is set in the small town of Maybrook where 17 children from the same class suddenly vanish one night, leaving only one classmate behind and sending the community into a panic. From that point on, things turn into all kinds of crazy. One thing I loved about this movie is that you never have any idea where the story will go. It’s told through interwoven perspectives and the twists and turns just keep popping up throughout. What also makes a good horror movie is the cast, especially this one. It includes Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, the incredibly talented Amy Madigan, and a whole cast that bring this terrifying tale to life. Everyone in this film played their part with excellence but without spoiling too much, Amy Madigan steals the show the minute she shows up on screen. And believe me, in that one minute, you start to understand why. When it comes to horror flicks, I’m all for getting my ass scared off but I don’t think that would be possible without the suspenseful buildup this movie brought. The suspense was killing me the whole time and I wasn’t sure if I could ever find a moment to breathe here. It felt more overwhelming than my own sensory overload and that’s not something I thought I was going to experience with this film. I can’t remember the last time I saw a horror movie that actually scared me but I can safely say that all my expectations were surpassed with this one. Not only was it original but I wasn’t actually sure if I was going to have a nightmare at some point after I finished watching it. I’m always going on my usual tirade about how I’m looking for something fresh and new, and that’s exactly what writer and director Zach Cregger gave me here. For that, I thank him.

     I know the horror genre isn’t for everyone but it sure knows how to do its job when it’s done right, and that’s exactly how I felt with this film. In terms of story, characters, suspense, and scares, I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ve read some pretty negative reviews on this film but in this brutally honest critic’s opinion, I don’t think they know what they’re talking about. My overall score would have to be a 9 out of 10. If you’re a fan of horror and you definitely want to feel like you’re on the verge of wetting yourself, then check this film out if you haven’t already. A slow-burn nightmare that gets under your skin.