Weapons is being called a “masterpiece” in its first reactions. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, who made his debut with Barbarian in 2022, the upcoming horror film follows the mysterious case of 17 kids from the same class who vanish simultaneously overnight, sparking fear and confusion in the community, with their teacher being the main suspect in their disappearance.
The Weapons cast includes Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Milk), three-time Emmy nominee Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna), Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, Oscar nominee Amy Madigan (Twice in a Lifetime), June Diane Raphael, Whitmer Thomas, Toby Huss, and Luke Speakman.
Now, ahead of its theatrical release, the first reactions to Weapons have surfaced on social media. Overall, the horror film is being praised for its chilling mystery, ambitious structure, dark humor, powerful performances, and sharp social commentary. One critic calls it a “horror masterpiece and the best film of the year.” Check out a few of the reactions below:
@griffschiller writes, “Zach Cregger has crafted a horror masterpiece and the best film of the year with #Weapons! It’s Prisoners by way of Magnolia with some of the Coen’s absurdist humor. An absolutely BRILLIANT commentary on the attitudes and institutions during the fallout of a communal tragedy. The destructive sensationalism, our obsession with knowing WHY, our insistence on jumping to blame and hyper fixating on the irrelevant inhibits our ability to be productive and find solutions so that way the objectively abnormal does not become…normal. A chilling masterclass in suspense and POV storytelling that exposes a society with dwindling empathy that tolerates dehumanizing acts. I’m OBSESSED. This is one film I won’t be able to shake!“
@PNemiroff writes, “WEAPONS rules. If you’re looking for a movie that keeps you on your toes from start to finish and delivers the unexpected time and time again, this is it.“
@m77oz writes, “WEAPONS is downright terrifying and cements Zach Cregger as a strong voice in modern horror and a master of mystery. I can’t recall the last time a movie gave me chills like this one did. Extremely well-structured and executed with a talented cast. Buckle the fuck up.”
@NextBestPicture writes, “WEAPONS was one of my favorite films of 2025 for most of its runtime, until the final act brought it down a few notches, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in that feeling. Still, Zach Cregger once again proves he has a gift for crafting a haunting atmosphere, using jump scares sparingly but to great effect. Definitely more ambitious than “Barbarian” in pretty much every way. The central mystery, told through multiple perspectives, kept me guessing and fully invested in what exactly happened to this specific group of kids in this small town. While the ultimate answer isn’t as satisfying as I had hoped, the thematic commentary on examining the big picture versus the little picture, along with its technical skill & strong performances, make it one of the standout horror films of the year.“
@cevangelista413 writes, “WEAPONS is an absolute blast: a creepy, funny ensemble piece that takes a MAGNOLIA/PULP FICTION/SHORT CUTS storytelling approach to unleash a memorable suburban nightmare. The grand finale had me cackling with twisted glee.”
@RachelLeishman writes, “WEAPONS is just as twisty as Zach Cregger’s debut but allows the audience to piece together its mystery in a surprisingly funny and terrifying way. It’s bonkers in the best of ways and shows how he continues to be a visionary in horror.”
What Weapons’ First Reactions Mean For The Movie
Zach Cregger Is Inspired By The Greats
The early reactions to Weapons highlight its ambitious storytelling by repeatedly referencing acclaimed filmmakers and their work. Multiple viewers compare it to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners, and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction – films known for their nonlinear structure, deep emotional stakes, and stylistic confidence. These allusions suggest that Weapons aims to blend haunting mystery with bold narrative experimentation.
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The comparisons extend to Robert Altman’s Short Cuts and the Coen brothers’ absurdist tone, emphasizing Weapons‘ ensemble cast and its interwoven storylines. Viewers are praising Cregger’s ability to balance humor, horror, and tragedy, echoing the layered and multi-perspective storytelling that defines these classic films. These references elevate expectations, positioning Weapons alongside a canon of innovative and genre-blending cinema.
This acclaim also reinforces Cregger’s directorial prowess, with reactions describing Weapons as structurally complex, emotionally resonant, and thematically rich. While some cite a dip in the final act, the consensus is that Weapons is a chilling, well-acted, and socially conscious horror movie. The sheer number of references to cinematic giants shows that Weapons is being perceived as both homage and evolution – a modern horror movie with the ambition and artistry of auteur-driven classics.
Our Take On Weapons’ First Reactions
Will It Be One Of The Best Films Of The Year?
If these early reactions are any indication, Weapons won’t just be one of the best horror movies of the year, but one of the best films of the year, period. Zach Cregger burst onto the scene with Barbarian, and Weapons should announce that he is one of the best auteurs working today, and should be sticking around for the foreseeable future.
Weapons releases in theaters on August 8.
Source: Various (see links above)
Weapons
- Release Date
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August 8, 2025
- Runtime
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128 minutes
- Director
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Zach Cregger
- Writers
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Zach Cregger
- Producers
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Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz
