Weapons Film: Bewitched Children, Trauma, and Ambiguity

Zach Cregger's horror film 'Weapons' follows the disappearance of 17 children from an elementary school class, orchestrated by Gladys, a witch who is also the aunt of Alex—the only child who was not taken. Gladys uses personal items and dark magic to control the children, treating them as weapons, until Alex manages to turn her spell against her. In a violent climax, the children take revenge on Gladys, ending her control but leaving deep emotional scars. The film is told in fragmented chapters and deliberately avoids providing a clear metaphor or social commentary. Instead, it leaves much unexplained, encouraging viewers to interpret its meaning. The ambiguous, haunting style and focus on trauma distinguish 'Weapons' from typical symbolic horror films.