Spoilers are late for class.

Modern horror features can be very sophisticated. This particular feature not only has high production values, but a non-linear narrative and explorations of grief, loss, tragedy and addiction. Rather than detracting its focus from horror, it mostly streamlines and enriches it. This to say, it will not work for everyone. The idea is to unsettle its audience and keep it in the dark. If you are already curious, I would urge you to watch it before reading ahead.

(Credit: New Line Cinema)

Weapons (2025) is written and directed by. Zach Cregger. In a small town elementary school, all the kids of a single class seem to have woken up during the night and fled their homes for parts unknown. All of them, except one, the very quiet Alex (Cary Christopher). The parents are frantic and want answers, specially from the teacher of that class, Justine (Julia Garner), who has been unable to provide any clue. After a month without clues, one of the kid’s parents, Archer (Josh Brolin) starts to launch an investigation of his own.

This is one of those that works better going in blind, but obviously you’re here to learn a little bit more so I will not leave you hanging. For Archer, this is his worst nightmare and he wants nothing more than to get some answers from Justine. As for Justine, she’s become a pariah, almost singled out as a culprit into the children’s disappearance and is ready to turn to alcohol to become numb. She’s also eager to talk to her remaining student, Alex, a kid she is used to protect from bullies. We get to follow the separate journeys of both as well as other characters you’ll meet leaving Alex for last. The slow reveal will include some supernatural and rather violent aspects.

It works. There’s a strong execution of dread and desperation as we can feel the oppressive atmosphere coming down on everyone in the cast. Furthermore, for everyone coming a little closely involved, their nightmares seem to have different patterns but some common aspects. I’d rather not get that close myself, so I’ll leave you to discover that. On the other hand, once we realize the supernatural aspect behind it, we’re not given much to explain any motivation or origin. At the same time, the ending does include a violent but satisfying final act, although it does not wrap up all its threads.

Highly recommended with minor reservations. It will definitely find audiences willing to be scared and kept on the verge of their seats, but it doesn’t dumb it down with lengthy expositions. Some audiences expecting a slasher, gore or exposition to explain it all might find it frustrating. Definitely worth a watch for everyone else.

That will do for now.