“Weapons” is marvelously crafted around the notion of uncertainty, and how we cope with uncertainty. The crucial focus is that almost the entire class of elementary kids have gone missing, and it seems the ones missing appear to have left voluntarily, running out their doors and down the street at the same time in the morning, 2:17 am. We are told through an unnamed child narrator that this is a true story, possibly another child that witnessed the events and is covered up by investigators and parents. Without any answers and uncertainty remains it obviously leads to escalation, and blame, while others are searching for answers. Even if you are given them many things are left kind of just pending. But one thing I know with certainty though is that it will be regarded by many horror fans and film critics alike as one of the best horror films of the year; including me. If not, at least one of the best written horror films of the year.

Written and directed by Zach Cregger, who also wrote one of 2022’s best horror films “Barbarian”   “Weapons” much alike “Barbarian” takes it time and slowly stirs through much of the film hinting almost like a promissory note that the horror will come, and when it does it delivers. I have to confess that I enjoy the build up to the horror of Cregger’s film rather than the horror. It’s  not that I don’t appreciate it when it arrives, he’s very talented at the rising action. It is his strong suit for sure. His second is clearly making characters. Characters that are so extensively flawed, and some so diabolical.  There isn’t a hero insight, just people who are hurting and that is where it is most compelling. “Weapons” is full of flawed characters that we wish wouldn’t do the things, or handle situations the way that they are in this. You are left even after seeing this to know that most of the characters in this are not going to amend their flaws or even acknowledge them. An added gravity to this story that is already rich and tight.  That is where this film is really winning. Authentic believable characters and authentic view of the vulnerability to losing kids at any time without knowing why. That is the real horror of this film, the exposure like an open nerve to vulnerability and uncertainty and how people cope with that, not well is what this is telling you. Just like he did in Barbarian, Cregger dials up the creepy and the cringe, knowing that just someone slowly entering a backyard has potential to go bad at any moment. He already has a handle on the angle of the camera and cuts to keep things constantly fresh, and there are some moments that truly funny and make you laugh so to not keep it so drab.

 It was smart to cast Josh Brolin in this.  This being his first real horror film it gives an uncanny,  appealing perspective because Josh has played good and bad guys before so we don’t really know the trajectory he is going to take in this. And it was smart to cast him  along with rising star Julia Garner, each giving incredible performances, as well as the supporting cast is also terrific. 

Some clever cuts keep the pace smooth. Cregger knows that the audience will fill in the blanks to what he didn’t show. There is a resolution to this, but Cregger knows with all horror stories there is never closure, never. Horror never really has closure and that is where horror really lives. It really never ends. Tragedy and trauma will remain, and some may never recover but what will always remain is uncertainty.