Weapons Review: One of 2025's best films
Ever since I heard the premise of this film, I've been intrigued to see how the narrative would play out. Kids Naruto-running out of their houses inconspicuously in the middle of the night? Cool stuff! I haven't checked out Barbarian yet, but I plan to do so as soon as possible. This is a movie I'm really excited to discuss anytime I get a chance, so without further ado, let's get into this Reel Ranker review. Thank you so much for joining me today, as always!
Negatives usually come first on The Reel Ranker, and this film is no exception. While I adored many aspects of this film, it isn't a flawless experience. The first criticism I see many share about the film is that a few chapters feel boring or inconsequential. While I don't quite agree with that, I understand it wholeheartedly. I think the druggie chapter could've been shortened, but otherwise, I personally enjoyed the pacing. My personal gripes with the film are in a different realm of moviemaking. First, the foreshadowing toward Aunt Gladys was a little too heavy-handed, with the word painted on the car making it a little too obvious what's going on. Second, and more importantly, the dream sequence probably should've been completely cut. It simply is thematically wasted, and Zach Cregger didn't really have a good explanation for why it was there. As such, cutting it all together would've streamlined that chapter.
Nevertheless, this film has far more positives than negatives! First of all, I adored the chapter-based storytelling. Anytime a film can pull this off, I love it! There's a reason Tarantino films often have such great pacing: this type of storytelling is incredible! The plot here is really intriguing, and while it is sometimes predictable, the execution is fantastic. The film consistently manages to be scary while still finding moments of levity that don't feel like bathos. Nowhere is this more apparent than during the final battle, and the final confrontation with Gladys is so hilarious and satisfying in the best possible way. The plot here is continuously satisfying and scary, and I've got not a single complaint.
The performances here are also great! Every protagonist is convincing and likable in their own way, and each carries their chapters effectively. Nonetheless, the obvious highlight is Amy Madigan's incredible performance as Aunt Gladys. She did a fantastic job melding mania, comedy, horror, and much more. While her villainous presence doesn't come into play until a little bit later in the film, her performance is the most captivating part of it.
I don't have much to note regarding the score, cinematography, or other elements of the film. But I will say that all of them are incredibly competent, even if they aren't anything supremely memorable. However, one thing of note is the phenomenal gore and action here: from the potato peeling moment, to Gladys being beaten into a pulp, to the principal and his boyfriend getting eviscerated, these were all awesome moments.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 96%
Letter Score: S+
Star Ranking: 5 out of 5
Weapons has a fantastic horror narrative full of awesome moments and an incredibly antagonistic performance by Amy Madigan. This film is my favorite of the Oscar nominees and one of my favorite films of 2025. Weapons goes to show that Zach Cregger is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with.
Check out more of my horror reviews below! Or, more interested in Oscar nominees? Check out reviews for the 98th Season nominees/winners instead!
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
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