Weapons: Witchcraft, Disappearance, and Haunting Trauma

Zach Cregger's 2025 horror film Weapons centers on the mysterious disappearance of 17 children from a small-town classroom at 2:17 a.m., with only Alex remaining behind. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing that Alex's aunt, Gladys—a witch—used dark magic to control both the children and adults, transforming them into 'weapons' for her own purposes. In a brutal climax, the children, aided by Alex's reversal of the spell, overpower and kill Gladys, but the ordeal leaves many survivors mute or deeply traumatized. The film stands out for its supernatural horror, ambiguous narrative, and refusal to offer clear metaphors, instead exploring themes of personal and collective trauma. Weapons employs technical ambition and ensemble storytelling, drawing comparisons to Magnolia, and relies on dark humor while leaving much for the audience to interpret. Ultimately, the film provides a cathartic yet unsettling conclusion that emphasizes the lasting psychological scars on the affected community.