New Horror Movie From Barbarian Director Is Called A “Masterpiece” In First Reactions

Weapons is being referred to as a “masterpiece” in its first reactions. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, who made his debut with Barbarian in 2022, the upcoming horror movie follows the mysterious case of 17 youngsters from the identical class who vanish concurrently in a single day, sparking worry and confusion locally, with their instructor being the primary suspect of their disappearance.

The Weapons cast consists of Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Milk), three-time Emmy nominee Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna), Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, Oscar nominee Amy Madigan (Twice in a Lifetime), June Diane Raphael, Whitmer Thomas, Toby Huss, and Luke Speakman.

Now, forward of its theatrical launch, the primary reactions to Weapons have surfaced on social media. General, the horror movie is being praised for its chilling thriller, formidable construction, darkish humor, highly effective performances, and sharp social commentary. One critic calls it a “horror masterpiece and one of the best movie of the yr.” Try just a few of the reactions beneath:

@griffschiller writes, “Zach Cregger has crafted a horror masterpiece and one of the best movie of the yr with #Weapons! It is Prisoners by the use of Magnolia with a few of the Coen’s absurdist humor. A completely BRILLIANT commentary on the attitudes and establishments in the course of the fallout of a communal tragedy. The damaging sensationalism, our obsession with realizing WHY, our insistence on leaping accountable and hyper fixating on the irrelevant inhibits our means to be productive and discover options in order that method the objectively irregular doesn’t develop into…regular. A chilling masterclass in suspense and POV storytelling that exposes a society with dwindling empathy that tolerates dehumanizing acts. I am OBSESSED. That is one movie I will not have the ability to shake!“

@PNemiroff writes, “WEAPONS guidelines. For those who’re in search of a film that retains you in your toes from begin to end and delivers the surprising time and time once more, that is it.“

@m77oz writes, “WEAPONS is downright terrifying and cements Zach Cregger as a powerful voice in trendy horror and a grasp of thriller. I can not recall the final time a film gave me chills like this one did. Extraordinarily well-structured and executed with a proficient solid. Buckle the fuck up.”

@NextBestPicture writes, “WEAPONS was considered one of my favourite movies of 2025 for many of its runtime, till the ultimate act introduced it down just a few notches, and I’m positive I gained’t be alone in that feeling. Nonetheless, Zach Cregger as soon as once more proves he has a present for crafting a haunting environment, utilizing soar scares sparingly however to nice impact. Positively extra formidable than “Barbarian” in just about each method. The central thriller, instructed via a number of views, saved me guessing and absolutely invested in what precisely occurred to this particular group of children on this small city. Whereas the last word reply isn’t as satisfying as I had hoped, the thematic commentary on analyzing the large image versus the little image, together with its technical talent & robust performances, make it one of many standout horror movies of the yr.“

@cevangelista413 writes, “WEAPONS is an absolute blast: a creepy, humorous ensemble piece that takes a MAGNOLIA/PULP FICTION/SHORT CUTS storytelling strategy to unleash a memorable suburban nightmare. The grand finale had me cackling with twisted glee.”

@RachelLeishman writes, “WEAPONS is simply as twisty as Zach Cregger’s debut however permits the viewers to piece collectively its thriller in a surprisingly humorous and terrifying method. It is bonkers in one of the best of the way and reveals how he continues to be a visionary in horror.”

What Weapons’ First Reactions Imply For The Film

Zach Cregger Is Impressed By The Greats

The early reactions to Weapons spotlight its formidable storytelling by repeatedly referencing acclaimed filmmakers and their work. A number of viewers evaluate it to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners, and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction – movies recognized for his or her nonlinear construction, deep emotional stakes, and stylistic confidence. These allusions counsel that Weapons goals to mix haunting thriller with daring narrative experimentation.

The comparisons lengthen to Robert Altman’s Short Cuts and the Coen brothers’ absurdist tone, emphasizing Weapons‘ ensemble solid and its interwoven storylines. Viewers are praising Cregger’s means to steadiness humor, horror, and tragedy, echoing the layered and multi-perspective storytelling that defines these basic movies. These references elevate expectations, positioning Weapons alongside a canon of revolutionary and genre-blending cinema.

This acclaim additionally reinforces Cregger’s directorial prowess, with reactions describing Weapons as structurally advanced, emotionally resonant, and thematically wealthy. Whereas some cite a dip within the remaining act, the consensus is that Weapons is a chilling, well-acted, and socially conscious horror movie. The sheer variety of references to cinematic giants reveals that Weapons is being perceived as each homage and evolution – a contemporary horror film with the ambition and artistry of auteur-driven classics.

Our Take On Weapons’ First Reactions

Will It Be One Of The Finest Movies Of The Yr?

If these early reactions are any indication, Weapons will not simply be the most effective horror motion pictures of the yr, however the most effective movies of the yr, interval. Zach Cregger burst onto the scene with Barbarian, and Weapons ought to announce that he is among the finest auteurs working right this moment, and ought to be sticking round for the foreseeable future.

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