WEAPONS First Reactions Call Zach Cregger’s New Horror Movie “A Masterpiece”
Zach Cregger is back with his second feature as a writer-director, and based on the first reactions, it looks like he’s delivered another knockout. Weapons doesn’t officially hit theaters until August 8th, but early screenings have critics raving, and horror fans should start getting excited.
While there aren’t any full reviews out yet, the social media reactions are already setting the stage for something special. If these posts are anything to go by, Weapons might not just match the success of Cregger’s previous hit Barbarian—it could surpass it.
The Playlist said on X: “Zach Cregger has crafted a horror masterpiece and the best film of the year with Weapons. A chilling masterclass in suspense and POV storytelling that exposes a society with dwindling empathy that tolerates dehumanizing acts.”
They even compared the film to Prisoners and Magnolia, calling it a sharp piece of social commentary that digs into the sensationalist mob mentality and how it amplifies trauma.
Perri Nemiroff from Collider praised Cregger for pulling off such a bold idea, saying: “Only Cregger could land such an ambitious concept with this style. Every actor is delivering big.”
That stacked cast includes Julia Garner, Austin Abrams, and Amy Madigan, and according to Nemiroff, the detailed character work really pays off on screen.
But let’s talk scares because from what we’re hearing, Weapons doesn’t hold back. Matthieu Côté of Horreur Québec called it: “Downright terrifying. I can’t recall the last time a movie gave me chills like this one did.”
The only real division among critics seems to be the ending. Matt Neglia from Next Best Picture admitted:
“The final act brought it down a few notches, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in feeling that”
Meanwhile, Chris Evangelista at /Film had the exact opposite reaction: “The grand finale had me cackling with twisted glee.”
So, is Weapons going to be the horror event of the year? From the way critics are talking, it just might be. We’ll know for sure when it hits theaters on August 8, but if these first reactions are any indication, Cregger has delivered another genre-defining hit that horror fans won’t want to miss.