Movie Weapons | $142,901,408

Introduction

According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Weapons is a mystery–horror thriller written, directed, produced, and partially scored by Zach Cregger. Released in the United States on August 8, 2025 by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film was made on a budget of about $38 million and went on to gross over $235 million worldwide, becoming one of the most profitable genre releases of the year.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds in the small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, where, at exactly 2:17 a.m., 17 third-grade children mysteriously vanish from their classroom, leaving behind only one survivor: Alex Lilly. Their teacher, Justin Gandy (Julia Garner), and a grieving father, Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), set out separately in search of the truth. The narrative is told in interconnected segments from multiple perspectives, gradually revealing the terrifying presence of Gladys (Amy Madigan)—a sinister woman who lures children with supernatural powers and feeds off their life force.

Production Notes & Trivia

• The number 2:17 is a recurring motif throughout the film, with some cinemas even hosting special preview screenings at precisely that time to amplify the story’s eerie symbolism.
• Cregger cited Magnolia, Prisoners, and Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad as major influences, particularly for the film’s fragmented, multi-perspective structure.
• The character Gladys has been described by critics as a metaphor for hidden horrors such as illness, grief, or addiction, giving the film a layered psychological undertone.

Critical Reception

• The film was a critical success, holding a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81/100 on Metacritic.
• RogerEbert.com praised it as a bold, multi-layered narrative blending horror and dark humor.
• The Guardian, while acknowledging its unsettling atmosphere and shocking moments, critiqued it for lacking narrative depth.
• MovieFone highlighted its disciplined pacing and visual strength, while Vague Visages admired the balance of suspense and humor.

Cast & Performances

• Josh Brolin received particular acclaim for his raw, unscripted delivery of the line “What the fuck?!”, which director David Fincher called “the greatest line in R-rated film history.”
• Julia Garner was praised for bringing both vulnerability and determination to her role as the teacher unraveling the mystery.
• Amy Madigan’s chilling portrayal of Gladys became a centerpiece of the film’s success, with critics noting her ability to shift seamlessly between maternal warmth and predatory menace.

Director & Crew Perspectives

• Zach Cregger, following the breakout success of Barbarian (2022), described Weapons as a “deeply personal horror story” rooted in themes of grief and human anxiety.
• Cregger hinted at the possibility of a sequel but admitted he had not yet committed to developing one.
• He revealed that Madigan was given two character interpretations to choose from—either a conventional witch figure or an immortal human predator—and she shaped Gladys into something between the two.
• The cinematography employed a run-and-gun style on 16mm film for most of the story, while the opening and closing scenes were shot on 35mm to add a cinematic weight to the beginning and end.

Release & Box Office

• Released on August 8, 2025, the film debuted at number one at the U.S. box office with an opening weekend of $43.5 million.
• It ultimately grossed $135 million domestically and $100 million internationally, for a total of $235 million worldwide.
• Audience reactions were positive, with a CinemaScore of A− and a PostTrak score of 4/5, with 65% of audiences saying they would “definitely recommend” the film.

Conclusion

Weapons is a daring and unconventional entry into the horror–mystery genre. With its multi-perspective storytelling, unnerving atmosphere, and a standout performance by Amy Madigan, the film cemented Zach Cregger’s reputation as one of the most innovative horror directors of the decade. Though divisive in certain circles, its box office triumph and critical acclaim mark it as a defining horror film of 2025.