Heure de disparition

I caught an advance screening of Weapons (2025) tonight. The storyline follows a town in shock after an entire elementary school class mysteriously vanishes one night, after all the children suddenly run out of their homes. The blame falls on the teacher, who becomes desperate to clear her name-but she has no idea where to begin. Maybe she should start with the one student who didn't go missing...

This picture is written and directed by Zach Cregger (Barbarian) and stars Julia Garner (Ozark), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men), Amy Madigan (Streets of Fire), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), and Justin Long (Jeepers Creepers).

Weapons is a unique and gripping addition to the horror genre, evoking the tone of both Hereditary and The Children. The acting is phenomenal-every cast member delivers a grounded, emotionally authentic performance. The story unfolds in a Pulp Fiction-style structure, allowing the audience to piece everything together from different characters' perspectives.

The horror builds slowly and methodically, but once it kicks in, it really kicks in. The gore is intense, and a few scenes even brought Drag Me to Hell to mind. The villain is top-tier, and the central concept is executed with precision. Standout moments-especially the kitchen and gas station scenes-are packed with tension and shot beautifully. The camerawork throughout is exceptional, particularly in the climax, and even everyday settings like the liquor store are filmed with eerie familiarity. There's a cloud of mystery hanging over the film, and as the pieces finally click into place, the ending lands perfectly.

In conclusion, Weapons is everything you want it to be-methodical, well-written, and even better executed. I'd give it an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

Weapons is a tense and gripping new horror from Zach Cregger that lives up to much of its immense hype. The story follows a community reeling after all but one child from the same class vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, and from there it unfolds with a sharp mix of mystery, dread, and dark humor. The acting across the board is phenomenal, the suspense is crafted with precision, and the world building for the small town setting feels rich and lived in. Practical effects shine, the score adds weight to the tension, and there are even moments of levity that break up the intensity without ever killing the mood.

What makes Weapons stand out is how confidently it holds your attention. From start to finish, it's a film that refuses to let go, pulling you deeper into its unsettling premise. It's refreshing to see such commitment to originality in mainstream horror, and the movie feels like a love letter to the genre's willingness to take risks. While the final reveal of what truly happened may divide viewers, and for me personally, it didn't entirely stick the landing but the journey there is so compelling that it's hard not to walk away impressed.

I must say, this movie truly has it all - mystery, horror, and excellent storytelling.

Normally, it takes a while for a film to draw me in and build up the suspense, but this one grabs your attention from the very first scene and keeps you hooked all the way through.

The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is intense, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you constantly curious. I also really appreciated the performances - the acting felt authentic and added depth to the overall experience.

The ending was satisfying, though I gave it 8 stars because a few elements of the mystery remained unresolved - or perhaps intentionally left open to interpretation.

Still, a fantastic film and a must-watch for fans of smart, original horror!

1) I love horror movies.

2) I avoided all trailers, marketing and reviews, so I am not a victim of overhyping.

3) I felt like this would be another example of a movie that will be unanimously praised and lauded as the best/scariest horror movie of the year. That seems to be the case.

4) Six stars is a positive score, but this review will be mostly negative as I try to explain why I didn't like this more.

5) The mystery is built masterfully. But once we find out who or what is behind the horror, all I could think is, "That's it?" I hoped there was more to the story or somewhere interesting the plot could go from there. But there really isn't.

6) They keep telling us more about the flawed characters, and have them involved in drama, which I enjoyed as it happened. But it doesn't come into play even a tiny bit, not with the story or any character arcs.

7) There are some really good horror elements and jaw-dropping moments. But I ask myself if I would watch this again, and the answer is... probably not.

8) It's a good movie, but I can't help but feel underwhelmed.

(1 viewing, opening Thursday EMX 8/7/2025)

"Weapons" (2025) is a truly terrific and groundbreaking film that stands out with its unique direction and a sense of meticulous planning and execution. It's the kind of movie that feels fresh and unlike anything you've seen before, which is a significant achievement in itself.

The film's strength lies in its innovative approach to the genre, with a directorial style that feels distinct and intentional. The planning and execution of its key moments are handled with a precision that speaks to a clear and confident vision. This is what makes "Weapons" so good and memorable for its core strengths.

However, the film is not without its flaws, which prevent it from achieving absolute perfection. The pacing, at times, can be quite slow, with some scenes feeling unnecessary and acting as fillers that detract from the overall narrative momentum. This unevenness can be tiring and makes it a challenge for the viewer to stay consistently engaged.

A particular point of weakness is the film's antagonist. While the central conflict is well-executed, the villain lacks a clear purpose or compelling motivation, making their role feel less impactful than it should. This absence of a strong, purposeful antagonist diminishes some of the film's dramatic weight.

Despite these issues with pacing and the villain, "Weapons" is a highly ambitious and well-made film. Its originality and confident direction make it a worthwhile watch and an impressive cinematic effort.