Movie Review
WEAPONS is one of those films where the less you know going in, the better. Writer-director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) crafts a gripping experience that blends multiple genres into one hell of a ride. Julia Garner (Wolfman, Ozark) stars as Justine Gandy, a teacher in the sleepy town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania. The story kicks into gear when seventeen children from a third-grade class mysteriously leave their homes at 2:17 a.m., all except one, Alex Lilly.
Garner is hypnotic on screen, pulling viewers deep into her character’s unravelling world. Josh Brolin co-stars as Archer, a construction contractor and the father of one of the missing children. Together, Garner and Brolin anchor the film with grounded, emotional performances that heighten the mystery.
But it’s veteran actress Amy Madigan who steals the show. As Gladys Lilly, she’s delightfully unpredictable, an eccentric character you can’t take your eyes off. Madigan’s performance is so captivating that there’s already buzz about a potential prequel centred on her.
With sharp pacing, confident direction, and a layered story, WEAPONS stands out as a suspenseful horror thriller you won’t want to miss.
Video
New Line Cinema delivers a solid dual-layer Blu-ray release with minimal artifacting and excellent overall presentation. The film’s colour balance and image clarity make for a visually pleasing viewing experience. While the 4K edition may offer a slight edge in sharpness and detail, this Blu-ray release more than holds its own, an outstanding option for most viewers.
Audio
The Dolby Atmos mix for Weapons delivers on every level, providing a fully immersive experience that heightens key moments of tension. The multi-channel design showcases precise directional effects and a satisfying amount of LFE (Low Frequency Effects) when called for. Dialogue remains crisp and intelligible throughout, blending naturally with ambient sounds such as traffic and birds to maintain a realistic soundscape. Composer Ryan Holladay’s original score is given ample space to breathe, effectively enhancing the on-screen action. Even the 5.1 mix, which I used for primary playback, provides a sonically rich and capable of delivering an engaging experience.
Extras
Director Zach Cregger: Making Horror Personal: Zach Cregger unravels the intricate origins of Weapons, detailing the sparks of inspiration that ignited the project and how elements of his own life experiences shaped the story.
Weaponized: The Cast of Weapons – An ensemble feature showcasing the stark personalities and combative dynamics of the characters, exploring the motivations that drive them into mystery, conflict, and death.
Weapons: Texture of Terror – Maybrook, a seemingly perfect town, hides a darkness beneath its charming façade. Production designer Tom Hammock and key cast and crew examine the design and construction of the town’s menacing atmosphere.
Optional subtitles: English SDH
A good selection of extras, although personally, I would have liked to see a gag reel.
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
New Line Cinema delivers a strong Blu-ray release with outstanding picture and sound quality. Weapons fire on all cylinders, blending suspense, action, comedy, and horror into a gripping and unpredictable experience. The well-rounded ensemble cast shines under confident direction, bringing depth and energy to each character. This is a release you won’t want to miss, offering both high entertainment value and strong replay potential.
WEAPONS is available now on DVD, 4K UHD AND BLU-RAY
