Zach Cregger's 'Weapons': More Than Just Sharp Objects and Dark Jokes (IGN Review)
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
IGN's review suggests Zach Cregger's *Weapons* is a twisted mystery with a compelling narrative, and a healthy dose of both scares and laughs. Sounds like a bloody good time at the cinema!
Right, so Zach Cregger, the bloke who gave us the delightfully twisted *Barbarian*, is back with *Weapons*. IGN South Africa's review reckons it's a bit of alright, and honestly, after hearing about it, I'm properly intrigued.
The premise? Bonkers. Twenty-odd kids from the same class in some sleepy town called Maybrook all decide to go walkabout in the dead of night. Arms outstretched, like they're auditioning for a zombie air force. Spooky, right? The finger-pointing naturally starts, landing squarely on their teacher, Justine (played by the always-brilliant Julia Garner), who, shall we say, has a history. Cue parent-teacher conferences gone sideways and enough tension to cut with a (wait for it…) weapon.
But here's the clever bit: *Weapons* isn't just a straight-up whodunnit. According to the review, it's a time-hopping, character-driven piece that slowly peels back the layers of this strange disappearance. Each chapter gives you a different perspective, forcing you to constantly reassess what you think you know. Sounds a bit like a digital choose-your-own-adventure, doesn't it? Only, instead of picking options, you're piecing together clues like a virtual detective.
IGN reckons Cregger's managed to dial up the tension from *Barbarian*, creating a film that’s equal parts scary and funny. Apparently, he's got a real knack for building suspense, only to release it in unexpected ways. Think of it as a rollercoaster designed by a mischievous wizard – you know you're in for a ride, but you've no clue where it's going to take you next. And when the violence kicks off? Hold onto your hats, because it sounds like things get properly nasty.
Josh Brolin also gets a shout-out for his portrayal of Archer, a grieving father who’s not afraid to bend the rules to find his missing son. He's the kind of character you want to root for, even when he's making questionable choices. Speaking of choices, the review also praises the cinematography by Larkin Seiple, who brings both darkness and dynamic visuals to the screen. One particular chase scene in a gas station sounds like a masterclass in blending humor and horror.
Ultimately, IGN South Africa sums up *Weapons* as a "righteous, fully actualized genre-bender" that sharpens the blend of tension and dark humor Cregger introduced in *Barbarian*. It's got cliffhangers, compelling characters, and a finale that's apparently worth the wait. So, if you're after a film that'll keep you on the edge of your seat while making you laugh nervously, *Weapons* might just be the one. Now, if you excuse me, I'm off to find out if there are any escape rooms in Maybrook...
Tags: horror, thriller, movie review, Zach Cregger, Julia Garner
Original article: IGN South Africa