New Horror Movie From Barbarian Director Is Called A “Masterpiece” In First Reactions

Guns is being known as a “masterpiece” in its first reactions. Written and directed by way of Zach Cregger, who made his debut with Barbarian in 2022, the approaching horror movie follows the mysterious case of 17 children from the similar magnificence who vanish concurrently in a single day, sparking worry and confusion in the neighborhood, with their instructor being the principle suspect of their disappearance.
The Guns forged comprises Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Milk), three-time Emmy nominee Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna), Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, Oscar nominee Amy Madigan (Two times in a Lifetime), June Diane Raphael, Whitmer Thomas, Toby Huss, and Luke Speakman.
Now, forward of its theatrical unencumber, the primary reactions to Guns have surfaced on social media. General, the horror movie is being praised for its chilling thriller, formidable construction, darkish humor, tough performances, and sharp social statement. One critic calls it a “horror masterpiece and the most efficient movie of the yr.” Take a look at a number of the reactions beneath:
@griffschiller writes, “Zach Cregger has crafted a horror masterpiece and the most efficient movie of the yr with #Guns! It is Prisoners by the use of Magnolia with probably the most Coen’s absurdist humor. A completely BRILLIANT statement at the attitudes and establishments right through the fallout of a communal tragedy. The harmful sensationalism, our obsession with realizing WHY, our insistence on leaping in charge and hyper fixating at the inappropriate inhibits our talent to be productive and in finding answers in order that means the objectively extraordinary does no longer develop into…standard. A chilling masterclass in suspense and POV storytelling that exposes a society with dwindling empathy that tolerates dehumanizing acts. I am OBSESSED. That is one movie I will not be able to shake!“
@PNemiroff writes, “WEAPONS regulations. Should you’re searching for a film that assists in keeping you for your ft from begin to end and delivers the surprising time and time once more, that is it.“
@m77oz writes, “WEAPONS is downright terrifying and cements Zach Cregger as a powerful voice in fashionable horror and a grasp of poser. I will’t recall the ultimate time a film gave me chills like this one did. Extraordinarily well-structured and finished with a skilled forged. Buckle the fuck up.”
@NextBestPicture writes, “WEAPONS used to be certainly one of my favourite motion pictures of 2025 for many of its runtime, till the overall act introduced it down a couple of notches, and I’m positive I gained’t be on my own in that feeling. Nonetheless, Zach Cregger as soon as once more proves he has a present for crafting a haunting environment, the use of soar scares sparingly however to nice impact. Surely extra formidable than “Barbarian” in just about each means. The central thriller, informed thru more than one views, stored me guessing and completely invested in what precisely took place to this explicit staff of children on this small the city. Whilst without equal resolution isn’t as fulfilling as I had was hoping, the thematic statement on analyzing the large image as opposed to the little image, at the side of its technical ability & robust performances, make it some of the standout horror motion pictures of the yr.“
@cevangelista413 writes, “WEAPONS is an absolute blast: a creepy, humorous ensemble piece that takes a MAGNOLIA/PULP FICTION/SHORT CUTS storytelling method to unharness a memorable suburban nightmare. The grand finale had me cackling with twisted glee.”
@RachelLeishman writes, “WEAPONS is simply as twisty as Zach Cregger’s debut however permits the target audience to piece in combination its thriller in a shockingly humorous and terrifying means. It is bonkers in the most efficient of the way and presentations how he is still a visionary in horror.”
What Guns’ First Reactions Imply For The Film
Zach Cregger Is Impressed Through The Greats
The early reactions to Guns spotlight its formidable storytelling by way of time and again referencing acclaimed filmmakers and their paintings. A couple of audience examine it to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners, and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction – motion pictures identified for his or her nonlinear construction, deep emotional stakes, and stylistic self belief. Those allusions counsel that Guns targets to mix haunting thriller with daring narrative experimentation.
The comparisons lengthen to Robert Altman’s Quick Cuts and the Coen brothers’ absurdist tone, emphasizing Guns‘ ensemble forged and its interwoven storylines. Audience are praising Cregger’s talent to stability humor, horror, and tragedy, echoing the layered and multi-perspective storytelling that defines those vintage motion pictures. Those references lift expectancies, positioning Guns along a canon of leading edge and genre-blending cinema.
Guns releases in theaters on August 8.
This acclaim additionally reinforces Cregger’s directorial prowess, with reactions describing Guns as structurally advanced, emotionally resonant, and thematically wealthy. Whilst some cite a dip within the ultimate act, the consensus is that Guns is a chilling, well-acted, and socially mindful horror film. The sheer selection of references to cinematic giants presentations that Guns is being perceived as each homage and evolution – a contemporary horror film with the ambition and artistry of auteur-driven classics.
Our Take On Guns’ First Reactions
Will It Be One Of The Easiest Motion pictures Of The 12 months?
If those early reactions are any indication, Guns would possibly not simply be some of the perfect horror motion pictures of the yr, however some of the perfect motion pictures of the yr, length. Zach Cregger burst onto the scene with Barbarian, and Guns will have to announce that he is likely one of the perfect auteurs running these days, and will have to be sticking round for the foreseeable long term.
Supply: Quite a lot of (see hyperlinks above)

Guns
- Unencumber Date
-
August 8, 2025
- Runtime
-
128 mins
- Director
-
Zach Cregger
- Writers
-
Zach Cregger
- Manufacturers
-
Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz