Weapons, a new horror-mystery film from director Zach Cregger, was released Aug. 8. The movie opens with a chilling image: 17 third-grade students in Justine Gandy’s class leave their homes in the middle of the night, disappearing into the darkness. Only Alex Lilly remains.
The film employs non-linear storytelling and follows six central characters: teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), Principal Marcus Miller (Benedict Wong), Officer Paul Morgan (Alden Ehrenreich), Archer Graff (John Brolin), Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), and James Anthony (Austin Abrams).
For many University of Tennessee at Martin students, the most compelling storylines belonged to Graff and James.
Graff, whose son vanishes in the mass disappearance, spends the following month obsessively combing maps and doorbell-camera footage for any sign of him.
“His story added depth and played a major part in finding not only the kids but also gave Ms. Gandy a great support system throughout the movie,” said Mikala Bates, a UT Martin student and longtime horror fan.
James, meanwhile, drew students in with his blunt realism and unexpected humor.
“James is seen on the phone with his brother, attempting to unlock various cars in an effort to find something to pawn, and manages to jerk one open,” said UT Martin student Dalton Herriott. “His need for drug money ultimately leads to him finding the kids and screwing everyone else in the movie over.”
Cinematically, following James was a fantastic approach because it took someone who seemed like an unreliable source and caused him to kick the movie’s climax into motion. The use of humor brought on highly favorable reactions from college students and brought on a new-aged charm that other movies wish they could reach.
The film’s cinematography deserves its own recognition. In one standout early sequence, Gandy leaves a liquor store after an affair with Officer Morgan, unaware that Morgan’s wife is silently trailing her. The camera work turns a simple moment into a tense, layered scene.
Not a single scene felt out of place as I watched. If you have the money and a twisted sense of humor, I would highly recommend seeing this movie.
Grade: 9/10
