IMDB (7.6) | Wikipedia | RottenTomatoes (94% | 85%)
I went into this one blind. Just read the synopsis about children going missing and I thought the poster was intriguing (thankfully I didn't notice the "From the Director of Barbarian").
Overall, I thought this was a good horror/thriller. I liked the multiple perspective and the inclusion of "slice of life" type elements in each piece. I haven't seen any movies with Julia Garner, but I thought she did a great job. Josh Brolin was great too, but I thought he would be good. I do wish there was more Julia Garner.
The film could do with some editing. The Weapons title and that one scene with Brolin seemed random. Some of the later stage scenes (which explain what happened) weren't that engaging. I do think the film could be cut down a bit.
The basic setup was a bit difficult to buy into. Considering what happened (a massive news event in any country) and that there was video involved, one would think the authorities would come up with a working theory before Brolin's character figured it out. The kid's parents borderline disappearing (not going to their job) would be noticed immediately.
I am not sure what to think of the antagonist. The acting was solid, but something about the introduction and framing of the character didn't seem to fit with the flow of the movie. Weapons is framed as a somewhat serious (internally coherent?) movie, yet the antagonist just appears.
There is definitely a black comedy element in the movie. The ending scenes were almost comical, like a under the table parody of zombie movies in the vein of Dawn of the Dead (2004). Also a clear a nod to the Blair Witch Project.
All in all, a worthy experience. Perhaps leaning more towards the thriller side of things as opposed to horror. If you haven't seen it and you've come this far, just watch it without watching the trailer and getting any other information (even though there is a spoiler tag, I try to minimize spoilers in any review).