Weapons’ First Reviews Hail Julia Garner’s Horror Epic as a Twisted Masterpiece

The Weapons’ first reviews are in, and they’re setting the horror world ablaze with praise for Zach Cregger’s follow-up to his 2022 hit Barbarian.

Starring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and a stellar ensemble, this mystery-horror film about the chilling disappearance of 17 schoolchildren has critics and early audiences buzzing.

With a near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 73 reviews, Weapons is being called a genre-defining triumph. Here’s why the film is generating such electrifying hype ahead of its August 8, 2025, release.

Why Is Weapons Being Called a Horror Masterpiece?

The first reviews of Weapons paint it as a chilling, innovative thriller that outshines even Cregger’s Barbarian. Critics rave about its unique narrative structure, which unfolds like a puzzle through character-driven chapters.

Each segment offers fresh perspectives on the mystery of 17 children vanishing from Justine Gandy’s (Julia Garner) classroom at 2:17 a.m., leaving one child behind. The film’s ability to blend dread, dark humor, and shocking twists has earned it comparisons to Magnolia and Pulp Fiction, but with a blood-soaked horror edge.

Early reactions highlight the film’s slow-burn tension that explodes into gory, unforgettable payoffs.

Reviewers call it “downright terrifying” and “an instant classic,” praising Cregger’s assured direction and ability to keep audiences guessing. The haunting premise, paired with a gripping finale, has some dubbing it the best horror film of 2025.

How Does Julia Garner Steal the Show?

Julia Garner’s performance as Justine, a teacher scapegoated for her students’ disappearance, is earning universal acclaim. Critics describe her as “raw” and “paranoid,” bringing a fragile yet fierce energy to a flawed protagonist. Her portrayal is a stark contrast to her recent MCU role as the Silver Surfer, showcasing her versatility.

Garner’s ability to anchor the film’s emotional core while navigating its horrors has reviewers calling her a “scream queen” in the making.

The ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin as a grieving father, Alden Ehrenreich as a troubled cop, and Austin Abrams as a scene-stealing drug addict, also draws raves.

Amy Madigan’s chilling turn as a witchy figure and Benedict Wong’s nuanced principal add depth, with critics noting the cast’s chemistry elevates every twisty chapter.

What Makes the Film’s Storytelling So Unique?

Weapons dazzles with its non-linear, multi-perspective narrative, a bold choice that reviewers say pays off spectacularly. The film is divided into character-focused segments, each peeling back layers of the mystery.

Critics praise Cregger’s ability to balance drama and horror, creating a “layered and multifaceted” experience that feels like a “twisted fairytale.” The structure keeps viewers on edge, with cliffhangers and surprises that unfold like a modern Dracula.

The film’s cinematography by Larkin Seiple, paired with a gut-churning score by Ryan and Hays Holladay, amplifies its eerie atmosphere.

Reviewers highlight haunting visuals, like children running into the night with arms outstretched, set to George Harrison’s “Beware of Darkness,” as unforgettable moments that cement Weapons as a visual and emotional powerhouse.

Is Weapons Scarier Than Barbarian?

While Barbarian shocked with wild pivots, Weapons is lauded for its cohesive yet unpredictable terror. Critics note it’s “less shocking but much better” than its predecessor, with a slow build that erupts into “blood-soaked, jaw-dropping carnage.”

The film’s scares, from jumpy moments to grotesque practical effects, are methodically crafted to unsettle even seasoned horror fans. Reviewers also praise its dark humor, with Abrams’ chaotic energy providing comic relief amid the dread.

Some critiques mention a slow middle or an ending that not all embrace, but the consensus is that Cregger’s risks pay off. The film’s ability to weave grief, community trauma, and supernatural horror into a cohesive narrative has fans calling it “the most WTF movie ever made.”

Why Are Fans So Excited for the Release?

The buzz around Weapons is infectious, with early reactions on social media platforms labeling it a “horror epic” and “genre-defining.” Its 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, briefly hitting 100% with early reviews, reflects its critical darling status.

Fans are thrilled by the cryptic marketing, which keeps the villain and major twists under wraps, building anticipation for a theatrical experience. With a projected $25–30 million opening weekend, Weapons is poised to dominate the box office alongside Freakier Friday and Sketch.

Cregger’s reputation, bolstered by Barbarian’s $45 million global gross, adds to the excitement. Reviewers and audiences alike are eager to see how his vision evolves, with many already speculating about the “Creggerverse” and his upcoming Resident Evil reboot. Weapons is a must-see for horror lovers craving something bold, bloody, and brilliant.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Weapons is shaping up to be a horror juggernaut, with its first reviews cementing it as a thrilling, emotionally charged triumph.

Julia Garner and the ensemble cast deliver powerhouse performances, while Zach Cregger’s masterful direction weaves a tale that’s equal parts haunting and hilarious.

As the August 8 release approaches, the film’s buzz is undeniable, promising a cinematic experience that will leave audiences reeling.

Don’t miss this twisted masterpiece that’s redefining horror for 2025.