🎧 Episode 99: Weapons – Horror, Mystery, and Institutions in Crisis

In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave welcome special guest Tim Peebles—theologian, pastor, martial artist, and long-time film aficionado—for a deep dive into Zach Cregger's new film Weapons.

Cregger, known for Barbarian (2022), returns with a multi-layered, genre-bending thriller where a small town unravels after its children mysteriously disappear into the night. With a Rashomon-style narrative, striking cinematography from Larkin Seiple (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and a cast led by Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Benedict Wong, Weapons pushes the boundaries of modern horror.

🔑 Topics We Discuss

• The intense bidding war for the film—why even Jordan Peele wanted it

• How the script stayed almost entirely intact from page to screen

• A Rashomon-inspired structure and its effect on pacing and suspense

• Cinematic homages: from Magnolia to The Shining to Italian giallo classics

• Performances: Brolin's rugged father figure, Garner's demanding lead role, and Wong's unexpected turn as a school principal

• Themes of institutional failure (schools, police, community) and whether the film offers political commentary

• The balance of horror, comedy, and surreal mystery that keeps audiences hooked

🎬 Why It Matters

Weapons is more than just another horror release—it's a cultural reflection on distrust of institutions, layered with dread, dark humor, and unforgettable imagery. Our conversation unpacks how Cregger masterfully controls tone, from the eerie to the playful, while still delivering an unnerving ride.

⭐ Ratings

• Dave: 4–4.5 stars – "A thrill ride you'll want to rewatch."

• Michael: 3.5–4 stars – "Ambitious, mixed-genre storytelling with a few tonal bumps."

• Tim: Highly recommends – "Dreadful and beautiful, horrifying and humorous—Cregger's step up from Barbarian."