Going into 2025, there was only one trailer that truly grabbed my attention and screamed “this is the one!” That trailer belonged to a movie called “Weapons,” and even though I generally avoid trailers (sticking to the 15-second variety if I indulge), “Weapons” delivered everything I needed in that short glimpse to declare it a potential film of the year. My initial thoughts leaned towards something dark and cerebral, akin to “Prisoners.” However, the actual experience in the theater was quite different.

“Weapons” certainly checked many boxes I look for in a film, but it also left several unchecked, leading to a somewhat conflicted reaction. I left the theater liking the movie, but with a nagging disappointment that it didn’t resonate with me as strongly as I had anticipated.

The premise of “Weapons” centers around a small town grappling with the mysterious disappearance of 17 children in a single night. The narrative unfolds through distinct chapters, each told from the perspective of Justine, James, Archer, Marcus, and Paul, allowing for an intriguing weaving of their overlapping stories. This aspect of the movie was, in my opinion, incredibly well done – almost flawless. The way their narratives interconnected and revealed pieces of the puzzle was a refreshing and effective storytelling technique.

Visually, “Weapons” was stunning. The cinematography was top-notch, truly A1. I’ll need to look up who was behind the camera work, but they deserve all the accolades and future opportunities. The acting across the board was solid, and the story, while taking its time to fully reveal its secrets, kept me thoroughly engaged. Unlike many movies where I can predict the twists early on, “Weapons” felt unique and original, holding its cards close until the right moment towards the end.

The film masterfully created an atmosphere of unease, discomfort, and even sympathy, effectively evoking a wide range of emotions. The intense moments were truly amplified, pushing the boundaries. Even the gore, when it appeared, felt impactful and well-integrated.

In my mind, “Weapons” was poised to be one of the holy trinity of horror films for 2025, alongside “Bring Her Back” and “Together,” aligning with my hopes for the new direction of the horror genre – original, unique, well-shot, and boasting compelling stories. And in many ways, “Weapons” delivered on these fronts. However, two key aspects ultimately prevented it from reaching my anticipated top spot: the music and an unexpected comedic undertone.

The placement and style of the music felt jarring and ill-suited to the tone I expected and desired. Instead of enhancing the potential for a dark and brooding atmosphere, the music often felt out of sync and actively detracted from the intended mood. Additionally, while I don’t believe it was the filmmakers’ intention, several scenes inadvertently elicited laughter from the audience, myself included. Perhaps it was the sheer absurdity of certain situations, but this unintentional comedy somewhat undermined the tension the film was trying to build.

Despite these drawbacks, and the fact that “Bring Her Back” remains my solid number one (perhaps even a 1.0, A++), while “Weapons” lands as a strong A+, and “Together” as a solid A, “Weapons” is still a movie I wholeheartedly recommend watching. The mystery surrounding the missing children is captivating, and the resolution, while providing answers, still leaves a lingering sense of unease – a testament to the film’s unsettling nature.

Interestingly, I’ve heard rumors of a potential prequel focusing on the character of Aunt Gladys. If true, this would be dope as hell, as there were definitely unanswered questions surrounding her that seemed intentionally left open. Exploring Aunt Gladys’s background would be a welcome addition to this cinematic world.

Have you seen “Weapons”? What were your thoughts? Did you experience it similarly, or did it resonate with you differently? I’d love to hear your perspectives – let’s discuss!