Zach Cregger’s Weapons is a psychological horror film with an ambitious premise and some striking visuals. The film was released on August 8, 2025 and has amazed audiences with its bizarre and terrifying plotline. It centers on 17 third grade children in the fictional town of Maybrooke, Pennsylvania who all mysteriously walk out of their homes at exactly 2:17 a.m. and simply vanish. Only one of the children from that same classroom, Alex (played by Cary Christopher) returns and is mute.
The story then unfolds through multiple perspectives. One of the main viewpoints is that of Justine Gandy (played by Julia Garner), their teacher who is burdened with guilt and suspicion. Then there is Archer Graff (played by Josh Brolin), who is a grieving and increasingly desperate parent. Lastly, there is Alex’s peculiar great aunt Gladys (played by Amy Madigan) whose home becomes the site for some eerie happenings. So far, Weapons has been praised for its layered storytelling and bone chilling horror elements, but the ending is something audiences might not expect. And with such a unique premise, it is no surprise that viewers are wondering, does Weapons have a post credit scene? Here’s what to know.
Is ‘Weapons’ really based on a true story?
While Weapons boldly opens with a character claiming that “This is a true story”, it is not entirely true. The events depicted in the film are actually fictional, per The Tab. However, director Zach Cregger has admitted that the inspiration behind the story is actually rooted in personal experience. He channelled his experience with grief for the film. He even shared that the script was written in a period of profound loss in his life.
As he tells Entertainment Weekly, “I had a tragedy in my life that was really, really tough. Someone very, very, very close to me died suddenly and, honestly, I was so grief-stricken that I just started writing Weapons, not out of any ambition, but just as a way to reckon with my own emotions.” So, the fragmented structure of the film mimics the way grief distorts memory and time.
And to further blur the line between fiction and reality, Warner Bros. launched a viral marketing campaign. This included a fake website called MaybrookMissing.com, which features some fabricated news articles, police reports and even interviews. This added an unsettling sense of realism to the film’s backstory, which tricked some early viewers into believing it might be based on actual events. But in truth, Weapons is a carefully crafted psychological and supernatural thriller that is designed to feel real.
Why did Gladys need the kids?
One of the most haunting elements of Weapons is the character of Gladys, Alex’s seemingly frail great aunt. But as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that she is far more than a reclusive caregiver, per Forbes. Gladys is revealed to be an ancient, possibly immortal entity who relies on dark rituals to extend her life. Early in the film she is shown siphoning life force from Alex’s parents, who remain in a vegetative state. But this horrifying act is just the beginning of her twisted plan.
Gladys’s ultimate goal is to complete a ritual that requires the energy of 17 children. Using Alex as a conduit, she manipulates him into assisting her. Basically, the personal items, clothing and dreams of the children are used as tools in a nightmarish ceremony. But Alex, who is quite clever and increasingly aware of what is happening, eventually learns how to reverse the spell. At the end of the film the spell is reversed and turned against Gladys, so the children all reawaken as zombified husks. In a disturbingly cathartic final scene they all tear her apart. This symbolizes the end of her cycle of abuse and witchcraft, but just the beginning for all of her victims who get a fresh start.
Does ‘Weapons’ have a post-credit scene?
While post-credit scenes typically hint at sequels or spin offs, the movie Weapons takes a different approach. The film ends with a definitive conclusion and there is no post credits scene, as Us Magazine reports. So once the credits roll, that’s it. In fact, Director Zach Cregger has confirmed that he wanted the movie to be a self contained experience in order to allow the disturbing themes and imagery to linger. While some viewers speculated that the shot of the children walking into the woods might be revisited with a hidden scene, that’s not the case. No additional footage or easter eggs follow the credits but this decision aligns with the film’s moody and unsettling tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How scary is Weapons?
This film is more of an atmospheric thriller with plenty of tension and unsettling surprises. So although there are creepy twists and turns, it’s not necessarily the scariest movie out there.
How long is Weapons?
The rated R movie’s runtime is two hours and eight minutes according to IMDb.
Where was Weapons filmed?
This movie is set in a fictional town in Pennsylvania but was filmed near Atlanta, Georgia. Covington and Tucker were the two main filming locations, as Time Out reports.
