Weapons: The Movie Reviewed

Where’d they go? Parker Hollatz (12) holds up a Weapons movie poster. “It’s a very scary movie but so much fun to watch and figure out the plot as it goes on,” said Hollatz. Photo Credit: Arlo Gibbs

Weapons was released on August 8 of this year. Zach Cregger brought the horror film to theaters, delivering jump scares, terrifying plotlines, and hidden messages. 

As I first walked into the theater, I immediately felt the mood shift. There were maybe 10 other people in the theater, curious but nervous about the ensuing film. 

The movie opens with a young girl explaining the strange events that occurred in an elementary school classroom. At precisely 2:17 A.M., 17 students woke up, left their beds, and ran full speed out their doors. All 17 students were from the same class, and when their teacher, Justine, returned the next day, she was horrified to see only one student—a boy named Alex—left in her classroom. Nobody knows where the children went or why. 

“The start of the movie built up the suspense made me sit on the edge of my seat,” said Parker Hollatz (12), who watched the movie alongside me. 

The film progresses in a chapter-like format, with each chapter showing a different character's perspective. This storytelling method was engaging, as each character experienced thrilling and frightening events before the narrative shifted to a new perspective, providing a brief respite from the chaos. This approach allowed the director to present a 360-degree view of the story, making it easier to follow and more immersive. 

As the movie continued, suspense built as the plot slowly unfolded. After several jump scares and some somewhat gory scenes, an unexpected plot twist occurred, taking the story in a surprising direction. 

Several scenes drew my attention, prompting me to consider hidden meanings. In one scene, during a dream sequence, Archer Graff—the father of a missing child—sees a giant gun floating above the house where he believes his son ran. The weapon displays the number 2:17 on the barrel. This is the second time 2:17 appears, leading me to investigate its significance. Research revealed that 2:17 symbolizes the horrific school shootings occurring today. Some viewers also interpreted it as a reference to the 2022 Weapons Ban, which passed with 217 votes in the House of Representatives but failed in the Senate. 

I realized Weapons was created not only for entertainment but also as a means of commentary and protest. 

Upon learning this, I realized Weapons was created not only for entertainment but also as a means of commentary and protest. From the disappearing children to the symbolism of 2:17, the film carries deeper meaning, making it both engaging and emotional. 

“Overall, the movie was terrifying, it had me shivering my timbers, but I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend it,” said Hollatz. 

If you are a fan of horror films, I highly recommend Weapons. While the terrifying scenes may make you cover your eyes, the film delivers a powerful message alongside its thrills.