Weaponsis hugely impressive in the way it injects pockets of humor within its incredibly dark and disturbing tone.This humor largely comes from the actors’ control over their characters and the realistic reaction to the horror unfolding in front of them.Unlike other movies within the horror genre, the wayZach Cregger’s characters react feels authentic and, consequently, that relatability extracts the humor from the horror without taking away from the tension created. Archer (Josh Brolin) exclaiming after a terrifying dream sequence is so unexpectedly realistic that you’re able to’t help but laugh, butthis doesn’t take away from the unnerving imagery of his visions. Similarly,Austin Abramsis naturally funny as James despite his getting caught up in bizarre situations, from moments where he is examining Alex’s parents' DVD collection to explaining to the police officer on the phone that he can’t enter because he is “phobic.”
However,Weapons’ most brilliant andunexpectedly hilarious moment comes in its finaleas Gladys (Amy Madigan) is chased by the children she was holding captive. The sequence is incredibly cathartic as it shows Gladys finally breaking her poise and becoming frantic and unassured.It feels like the perfect ending to the movie, so it is incredibly surprising to learn it wasn’t in the original scriptand was only added in after Cregger realized the sequence needed to be extended. The ending allowsWeaponsto stick the landing and fully commit to the absurdity of its exposition; it is impossible to imagine a version of the movie without it.
Aunt Gladys' Death Scene in the ‘Weapons’ Finale Is Both Disturbing and Hilarious
The final moments ofWeaponsgave us one of the most satisfying scenes of cinema in recent memory. Throughout the movie, Gladys is slimy and manipulative, and her ability to use dark magic and rituals, unlike the rest of the cast, makes her feel unstoppable. Although the extent of her origins is not explained,which could change with a potential prequel being discussed, the use of terms such as “consumption” implies thatGladys is significantly older than her humanoid appearance. Throughout, she is measured and has the authorities buying her cover story with ease, so it’s difficult to predict how she will be defeated.Yet, the final moments see her ceremoniously mauled and eaten by the missing children she captured in a gloriously gory moment of cinematic catharsis.
However, the death scene works so well because it comes after a comedy chase that feels so tonally different from the rest of the movie. (In fact, it feels directly borrowed fromFerris Bueller’s Day Off.)The shift away from the sinister atmosphereis a sigh of relief and signals to the audience that they are finally safe. The final chase, which tracks Gladys through multiple houses and locations, is freeing because of its light-hearted tone and overtness. It completely contrasts the sense of darkness and fear of something ominous hiding in every corner that pervades the rest of the movie.
The Chase Scene in ‘Weapons’ Borrows From Comedy Movies
In these final moments,Weaponsborrows from the action and comedy genres, challenging movies such asFerris Bueller’s Day Off,Raising Arizona,andPoint Break, as the composure of Gladys snaps as easily as the magical tree branch she wields.Amy Madigan totally shifts the style of her performance, having a sense of urgency and growing frantic as she scrambles through the houses.The feeling of steady energy that surrounds her throughout the rest of the movie is replaced with sheer panic, and, as a viewer, it is an incredibly satisfying comeuppance. However, Madigan’s performance is heightened by the comedic understanding of Cregger,who started his career in comedy.
Each location that Gladys runs through has the initial image of the witch clambering over furniture and is thengiven a second to breathe before the screaming hordeof ravenous children breaks through. It heightens the absurdity of the situation, and the repeated shots of the children throwing themselves through windows, unaffected, get funnier every time. For a movie that feels so expertly woven together,having this moment of chaos in the finale feels fittingly manic,answering our question that the unpredictability of her victims when she’s no longer in control was always going to be Gladys’ downfall.
Zach Cregger Changed the End of ‘Weapons’ On Set
Zach Cregger revealed when speaking toSean FennesseyonThe Big Picturethat the original script simply saw “Gladys run outside, jump out the window, and (the kids) get her in the front yard”.It was only while on set that he decided to prolong the ending, which resulted in four extra days of filming.He realized that they needed to push the ridiculousness of the visuals by extending the distance Gladys is chased, which gaveWeaponsthe sense of commitment it needed to stick the landing and provide closure for the movie. For a film whose final explanation is beyond reality, such as the existence of dark magic,there has to be a real sense of confidence, and by extending the final scene,Weaponsachieves this.
However, the final visual of the children standing around Gladys after the chase makes the realization thatthey aren’t going to recover quickly all the more heartbreaking,as it contrasts with that small glimpse of energy and life in the chase. The scene gives one of horror’s most manipulative and repulsive villains of recent years her much-deserved comeuppance, but also serves a wider purpose withinWeapons,giving a phenomenal horror film the ending it needed.
Weaponsis in theaters now.
