20/08/2025
"Weapons" by Zach Cregger (2025)
Gosh, I love this film. I said Eddington was my #2 of the year, but Weapons has already overtaken that spot. I can’t shake it. I’ve seen it twice and I’m dying to see it again. It’s one of the most unique, inventive, and thrilling horror movies I’ve seen in years.
The script is my favorite of 2025 so far. The chapter structure is brilliant: each character’s perspective reveals more of the big picture, and the arcs you assume will be minor — Marcus, James — end up carrying the film’s most important twists. It’s loaded with red herrings and misdirection, but it never loses coherence. Justine’s first chapter alone walks such a razor’s edge, painting her as both persecuted victim and possible culprit. By the time Marcus, James, and Alex’s chapters roll out, the scope of what’s happening hits like a hammer.
The film is full of unforgettable moments: the Marcus house sequence with Amy Madigan’s Gladys (an instant classic), the violent chaos unfolding offscreen while she calmly washes her hands, the eerie dinner scene with Alex’s parents, Marcus and Justine’s convenience store standoff, James’ chaotic robbery (“Oh s**t, Willow!” had me laughing for several minutes).
Performances are damn near perfect. Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams (MVP), Benedict Wong, Cary Christopher — all outstanding. But Amy Madigan steals the film. Gladys is one of the best horror villains of the last 10–15 years. Every glance, every line, terrifying.
Aside from a few nitpicks, this is a 9.5/10. Zach Cregger is two-for-two, and he deserves a blank check for whatever’s next. Weapons is an absolute tour de force, and my second favorite movie of the year.