The Big Picture: ‘Weapons’ Is Why We Go to the Movies, With Zach Kreger!

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Guest: Zach Kreger

Introduction and Live Show Announcement

The episode kicks off with Sean Fennessey announcing an exciting live show at the 92nd Street Y in New York City on October 4th, encouraging listeners to mark their calendars and purchase tickets starting August 12th at 2:00 PM ET.

Brian Raftery’s Summer Narrative Series

Before delving into the main content, Sean informs listeners of a temporary hiatus taken by him and Amanda as they prepare for the Fall Film Festivals. In their absence, Brian Raftery steps in to host a narrative series exploring the transformative years of the early 2000s in Hollywood and the broader cultural landscape. Brian discusses his deep dive into the Bush years, highlighting the shift from indie films to blockbuster franchises that defined the decade. He emphasizes the importance of critical distance in analyzing films from this era, noting how movies from the early 2000s reflect the societal tumult post-9/11 and the evolving Hollywood dynamics.

Notable Quote:

• Brian Raftery [04:35]: "I do think you do need a certain amount of distance to understand the time that you're going through and what the art of that time is kind of telling you."

Main Discussion: Elevated Horror and ‘Together’ vs. ‘Weapons’

Sean transitions into discussing the current trend of "elevated horror," a term often used to describe horror films that aim to be more intellectually engaging or thematically deep than traditional entries in the genre. He critiques this trend, arguing that while it has commercial benefits, it sometimes results in mediocrity despite its lofty aspirations.

‘Together’
Sean reviews "Together," a horror-thriller directed by Zach Kreger, starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie. The film explores the deterioration of a long-term relationship under supernatural pressures, blending body horror with relationship drama. Sean appreciates the film's modern take on symbiosis within relationships but notes some over-the-top set pieces that, while entertaining, occasionally undermine the film's core themes.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey [13:10]: "But this wave that started roughly a decade ago has persisted with lots of mediocre movies loudly announcing its ideas about trauma and loss and existential despair."
• Sean Fennessey [14:35]: "I was the only person in that theater who've lost their mind happily with that anchorman ending of whatever that was at the gang show."

‘Weapons’
The conversation then shifts to "Weapons," Zach Kreger's latest film, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. Sean describes "Weapons" as an original, multi-character horror thriller that intertwines suspense with thematic depth. He praises the film's structure, performances, and cinematography, likening its final act to a crescendo of intense emotions and horror elements.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey [49:25]: "Weapons is about something... it's a child abduction movie. This is a movie that you can watch purely as a plot exercise, as a corker. And it is a corker."
• Sean Fennessey [82:16]: "It's just something that is indebted to a lot, but unlike anything I've ever seen before."

In-Depth Interview with Zach Kreger

Zach Kreger joins Sean to discuss the making of "Weapons," providing insights into his creative process, inspirations, and challenges faced during production.

Writing and Inspirations
Zach reveals that "Weapons" was written as a therapeutic outlet during a personal tragedy, allowing him to channel his grief into storytelling. He emphasizes that the film was born out of a necessity to process pain rather than ambition, which he believes contributes to its authenticity and emotional resonance.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Kreger [49:54]: "I just sat down to just start writing, just to engage with my pain in a way that was, you know, not destructive, but constructive."

Filmmaking Process
Zach discusses the substantial increase in budget from his previous film "Barbarian" to "Weapons," highlighting the challenges and growth he experienced. He shares anecdotes about casting, such as his first meeting with Josh Brolin, and the importance of having a script-driven approach that remained true to his vision despite external pressures.

Cinematography and Score
Zach credits his collaborators, particularly cinematographer Larkin Sapley and his childhood friends Ryan and Hayes Holiday, for elevating the film’s visual and auditory experience. He describes the use of hyper-subjective camera techniques inspired by films like "Son of Saul" to immerse the audience in the characters' perspectives.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Kreger [58:17]: "Every chapter should be hyper subjective, and so that was something that we set for ourselves really early on."

Themes and Final Act
Zach explains that "Weapons" balances horror and emotional depth without overtly intellectualizing its themes. He discusses the film's climactic shift into supernatural horror, aiming for a thrilling and satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Kreger [63:10]: "I'm not sitting on something that's terrifying to me that I wouldn't dare put in a movie."

Themes and Syllabus Recommendations

Toward the end of the episode, Sean and Zach discuss various films that influenced "Weapons" and those that resonate with its themes. They mention classics like "Magnolia," "Rosemary’s Baby," "The Blood on Satan’s Claw," and contemporary films like "Hereditary" and "Insidious," providing a curated list for listeners interested in exploring similar narratives and stylistic elements.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Kreger [70:58]: "Magnolia, Hereditary, Prisoners, Picnic at Hanging Rock."

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Zach shares his excitement for upcoming projects, including a Resident Evil adaptation, emphasizing his commitment to original storytelling despite the allure of established IPs. He also touches on his desire for physical media releases for his films, highlighting the importance of special features in enriching the viewer's experience.

Notable Quote:

• Zach Kreger [84:10]: "I joined their chorus and I have, I have. Have banged the drum and made phone calls and tried my best to get some sort of physical media, and I'm not making headway, and it kind of bums me out."

Conclusion

Sean wraps up the episode by thanking Zach Kreger and highlighting the upcoming content, including Brian Raftery’s series and future episodes focused on Fall Film Festivals. He encourages listeners to stay tuned for more insightful conversations and movie recommendations.

Notable Quote:

• Sean Fennessey [88:02]: "Thanks to Zach Kreger. Please stay tuned on this feed for Mission Accomplished. It's an awesome show and I know if you love movies and stories about making of movies and how they fit into the culture at large here in this country and abroad, you will find that story fascinating."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of "Weapons," enriched by an engaging interview with Zach Kreger. Listeners gain valuable insights into Kreger’s creative journey, the film’s thematic depth, and its place within the evolving landscape of horror cinema. Whether you're a fan of horror thrillers or interested in the filmmaking process, this episode provides a captivating deep dive into contemporary horror storytelling.