Zach Cregger’s Weapons is a triumphant sophomore feature, catapulting him into the ranks of the most talented filmmakers working in horror today. Ambitiously structured, deliriously twisted and entirely absorbing, this is not only the best horror movie so far this year, but the best movie - period.
Broken into chapters, with each following a different character, the film plays out as more of a mystery crime drama than a traditional horror (at least, it does at first). There are some jump scares here and there, and a constant, eerie feeling of dread, but this isn’t your textbook scary movie. With each passing chapter, we’re given a new perspective, while also unearthing more answers surrounding the kids’ disappearance. The mystery burns slowly, but the revelation of crucial details, and their placement within each chapter is brilliant. You know there’s something sinister at play, but the film deliberately makes you wait quite some time before its first big, heart dropping reveal. It’s methodically paced, and I kept wondering “where’s this going?”, but I was completely hooked - my mind demanding answers, and feeding off any little details I got along the way.
Tonally, Cregger skirts the line between frightening, somber and downright hilarious. Having a comedy background, he knows how to perfectly infuse humour into tense and horrifying situations, without losing that crucial tension or fear. With Barbarian, he accomplished a mid-movie rug pull, flipping from straight-up horror to a comedy/horror hybrid. Here, he interweaves humour and horror seamlessly through the entire film. There are scenes that had me laughing and feeling horrified simultaneously, but there was never any tonal whiplash during those moments. I also really admire Cregger’s commitment to ending the film the way he did. It’s going to be a divisive one, but it’s simply unforgettable.
This is the work of a filmmaker in full control of his craft. The cinematograph and editing are consistently sharp, but it’s the camera movement specifically that really wows. The tracking shots are expertly orchestrated - whether it’s a character walking through a liquor store, or a heart-pounding chase scene (of which there are several), the way Cregger follows his characters through the film allows you to be right there in that moment with them. The instances of gore and violence are used sparingly, making them all the more jarring when they do come up. The script is also really strong, with sharp dialogue and well-rounded characters. Because these characters are all so different from one another, it gives each chapter a distinct tone and feel of its own.
Weapons IS the horror film of the year. Zach Cregger has crafted a modern genre classic, proving himself as a filmmaker to watch. Dark, twisted, surprisingly hilarious and refreshingly original, this is the kind of movie that makes me giddy to be a horror fan.
4.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett