Weapons

In what has been a banner year for horror films, Zach Creggar’s Weapons is a film of outstanding originality and flair. Approaching its mysterious events from several angles, Tarantino-style, the movie has a Twilight Zone eerieness: Why did a whole class of pre-teens (barring one kid) simultaneously disappear in the middle of the night? In the absence of evidence, suspicion naturally falls on their teacher (Julia Garner), which only makes her more determined to prove her innocence. But the harder she tries, the worse she looks…

Look out for an extraordinary performance from Amy Madigan, who really deserves an Oscar for this.

Weapons is the feel-bad, feel-good movie of the year — a rare horror masterpiece that leaps beyond its genre without abandoning its sick, sad heart.

David Sim, The Atlantic

Cregger has achieved something remarkable here, crafting a cruel and twisted bedtime story of the sort the Brothers Grimm might have spun.

Peter Debruge, Variety

It’s a creepy, nasty good time, with scares that will make audiences jump in their seats and a few that will leave them profoundly unsettled.

Sam Adams, Slate