Horror Film 'Weapons' Achieves Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score Amid Viral Buzz

As anticipation builds for its theatrical release on August 8, 2025, the horror film "Weapons," directed by Zach Cregger, has garnered a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on its initial 11 reviews. This remarkable achievement follows an unconventional and viral marketing campaign that has captivated audiences online.

The film, which tells the chilling story of a classroom full of children who mysteriously vanish overnight—except for one—has been met with critical acclaim for its unique blend of horror and humor. Critics have praised Cregger's ability to delve into modern anxieties, particularly parental fears exacerbated by sensationalized media coverage. "Weapons" stars Josh Brolin as the father of one of the missing children and Julia Garner as their teacher.

According to Deadline's projections, "Weapons" could earn more than $25 million during its opening weekend, a promising figure for an original horror film. This follows the success of Cregger's previous film, "Barbarian," which received a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and solidified Cregger's reputation as an emerging voice in the horror genre.

Critics have weighed in on the film's merits. Lyvie Scott, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic for Inverse, described "Weapons" as both "haunting and cerebral" while also possessing a "cartoonishly funny" quality. Chris Evangelista from SlashFilm noted that the movie effectively captures contemporary fears without overwhelming the audience, labeling it as one of the best horror films of the year. Meanwhile, Josh Korngut of Dread Central awarded the film five stars, praising its originality and the performances of its cast. However, some critics, including Matt Neglia, have pointed out that the film's conclusion may lack emotional depth, suggesting that Cregger could have offered a more relatable narrative.

The marketing strategy for "Weapons" has drawn comparisons to the iconic promotional tactics of the "Blair Witch Project." Warner Bros. launched a two-hour and 17-minute surveillance video on YouTube, titled "2025_░_░_06:17AM.mov," which depicts children running through a town at night, directly mirroring the time of their disappearance in the film. This video, alongside the creation of a faux local news website, MaybrookMissing.com, has contributed to the film's viral status, generating significant buzz and intrigue.

The competition for the film's production rights was reportedly fierce, with various studios vying for the project. Ultimately, New Line Cinema, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., secured the rights with a staggering $38 million bid in January 2023. Cregger's deal included a $10 million payout and creative control over the final cut, a highly unusual arrangement for a filmmaker with only one previous credit. This development underscores the industry's recognition of Cregger's potential as a leading horror director.

As "Weapons" gears up for its opening, the combination of a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and an innovative marketing campaign positions it as a significant contender in the summer box office lineup, potentially reshaping the landscape for original horror films in the coming years.