Weapons star Josh Brolin argues horror film could be a “milestone experience” for viewers

by

Occasionally, a fresh movie emerges that leaves spectators spellbound, labeling it an immediate cinematic masterpiece.

Immediately after its unveiling, whispers circulated that Zach Cregger’s Weapons, a sequel to the 2022 horror sensation Barbarian, might turn out to be one of those movies.

Rapidly, reports surfaced about an intense bidding competition over what seemed to be a sensational screenplay, and shortly afterward, whispers began about one of the most narrative-ambitious horror films of the decade.

The movie’s premiere is just around the corner, and the early feedback has certainly lived up to the initial excitement surrounding it.

Cregger’s film, centered around a suburban U.S. town where all but one student from a third-grade class mysteriously vanish from their homes overnight, is exceptionally well-received. Remarkably, it holds a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 40 reviews).

In our very favorable four-star review, we referred to it as an “exciting, gripping, and powerfully thrilling horror masterpiece”.

It was evident to actor Josh Brolin, who portrays the grieving father of one of the lost children, that this role offered tremendous promise right from the start.

As I crossed paths with Cregger for the first time, curiosity piqued within me. I was unacquainted with him, hadn’t watched Barbarian, and wasn’t aware of the fierce bidding battle that ensued prior to our meeting.

Initially, I approached it with an innocent perspective that I found endearing, and I genuinely enjoyed his company. I thought highly of him. However, my response to the script was quite strong, considering its exceptional writing and design quality.

Previously renowned adolescent actor Brolin has spent several decades in the acting field, and he’s noticed that some directors may manipulate during initial talks to attract performers. However, with Cregger, he immediately felt there was a change in approach.

He quickly made it personal,” he shared. “What I found fascinating is that the script’s characters were all based on specific real-life experiences he had. Something significant in his life sparked this, and he reacted to it so deeply that it became incredibly personal and raw. This swift transformation of a general idea into something intensely personal was truly captivating.

Brolin portrays a single character in a movie that weaves together multiple viewpoints, divided into six parts, each focusing on a different community member following a massive disappearance. Meanwhile, Julia Garner, who takes on the role of the teacher of the missing kids, was equally captivated during her initial conversations with Cregger.

In my critique as a movie enthusiast, I must commend the screenwriter for their remarkable clarity and precision in their work. They exude a profound understanding of their artistic vision, skillfully translating it onto the page. What sets them apart is not just their ability to articulate their ideas effectively, but also their openness, patience, and kindness – qualities that are truly inspiring in a collaborative environment like filmmaking.

Apart from his inherent qualities, there’s an inviting friendliness radiating from him that instills a sense of ease and reliability. This comforting vibe is particularly crucial, especially during performances, as it fosters a feeling of security.

In our initial encounter, what particularly stood out to Alden Ehrenreich (playing a cop with history with Garner’s character) was his openness about the personal anecdotes he incorporated into the film.

Although I’m usually not a fan of horror, I found myself captivated by this work, making it one of the most impressive pieces I’ve come across. Upon delving deeper into its content with the author, I realized that his themes resonated profoundly with me, providing an enlightening insight.

He went on to say: “This film stands out from others in its genre due to an intangible quality that sets it apart. It’s hard to pinpoint, but when you watch it, you can sense a unique blend of creativity and emotional resonance that not every movie offers.

The movie “Weapons” is most satisfying when viewed without much preconceived notions about its destinations; a significant portion of the pleasure lies in observing the intricate plot unfurl, as the enigma surrounding the missing children’s location gradually reveals itself.

Prior to its launch, horror enthusiasts have been attempting to make sense of snippets seen in trailers and promotional content, leading to a variety of speculations floating around on the internet.

Brolin has found great pleasure in experiencing this event, and he likened it to the excitement of reading a fresh book or watching an upcoming movie. He said, “It’s like diving into a mystery you can’t quite solve.

Additionally, this occurs with a fresh voice, a new director, and an authentic visionary who isn’t constrained by a studio’s influence.

Additionally, it seems everyone shares the common goal: the movie should succeed. However, there’s something extra we both appreciate – creating an unforgettable, landmark experience for the audience that they can reminisce about in years to come. This aspect, I believe, aligns more with my perspective and Zach’s as well.

They exclaimed, “Don’t you recall when the release of Weapons happened? That was quite a spectacle!” One might say, “Yes, I remember it, and I witnessed it at the age of 14,” or, “I saw it when I was 23, and it was something else.” I believe this has great potential.

Read More

2025-08-06 16:35