Weapons, the highly anticipated follow-up to Zach Cregger's breakout hit Barbarian, has blazed its way to the top of the box office, earning a staggering $42.5 million domestically in its opening weekend. The horror thriller, which stars Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, has proven that original storytelling still commands theatrical attention, grossing $70 million globally against fierce competition.

A Mystery That Grips America

The film centers on a chilling premise: 17 children mysteriously vanish from their homes at 2:00 a.m., leaving their beds simultaneously and walking into the night with arms outstretched. Garner plays a terrified teacher who discovers her students have disappeared, while Brolin portrays a desperate father searching for his missing child.

Critics are calling it "the finest horror flick of the summer," with The New York Times praising its "grabber opening and shocker of a finale". Roger Ebert's review highlighted the film's "Pulp Fiction"approach to storytelling, noting how the non-linear narrative allows audiences to reinterpret information as different perspectives unfold.

Professional Acclaim and Cultural Commentary

Awards Watch gave the film an A grade, calling it "a chilling masterclass in suspense and POV storytelling that exposes a culture with dwindling empathy". The film has earned an impressive A-minus CinemaScore from audiences, a stark improvement from Cregger's previous film Barbarian, which received a C+.

Variety noted how Cregger "explores the fear and anger that consume an otherwise stable American community," while Den of Geek described it as "the most twisted studio movie of the year". The film's exploration of America's gun epidemic adds layers of social commentary to its supernatural horror elements.

Box Office Dominance

Weapons exceeded all projections, initially forecast to earn $25-40 million but ultimately securing the #1 spot with $42.5 million domestically. The film's success represents another victory for Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, who acquired the project for $38 million after a competitive bidding war. International markets contributed $27.5 million, with IMAX and premium formats accounting for 34% of opening weekend revenue.

Weapons proves that audiences still crave original horror storytelling that challenges conventions while delivering genuine scares and social commentary.