Screen Time Newsletter: Weapons Meme Mania Takes Over!

Welcome to this week’s Screen Time newsletter, your go-to source for the latest in TV and movie buzz! If you’re obsessed with all things cinematic, buckle up because we’re diving into the chilling, thrilling, and downright meme-worthy world of Weapons, the new horror movie from Barbarian director Zach Cregger that’s got everyone talking—and running, apparently. Plus, we’ll dish on what to watch next and why this viral sensation is the talk of the town. Let’s get into it!

Weapons: The Horror Hit That’s Running Away with Our Hearts

If you haven’t caught Weapons yet, you’re in for a wild ride. Released on August 8, 2025, this mystery-horror flick has already grossed over $148.7 million worldwide against a $38 million budget, and it’s no surprise why. The story kicks off in the sleepy town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, where 17 kids from the same third-grade class vanish into the night at exactly 2:17 a.m., leaving behind baffled parents, a blamed teacher (Julia Garner), and a whole lot of creepy security footage. What makes it unforgettable? The kids don’t just walk out—they run, arms flailing outward like eerie, synchronized birds, all heading in the same direction toward an unknown force.

Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons is a masterclass in blending dread, dark humor, and supernatural twists. The stellar cast—Josh Brolin as a grieving dad, Julia Garner as the ostracized teacher, and Cary Christopher as the lone kid who stays behind—delivers performances that keep you glued to the screen. Critics are raving, with some calling it “a horror masterpiece” and others praising its “twisty, turny” narrative that reinvents itself as it unfolds. But let’s be real: the real star of the show? That bizarre running pose.

The Weapons Running Meme: A Viral Sensation

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet, you’ve probably seen the Weapons running meme. Inspired by the haunting security footage of the kids sprinting with their arms outstretched—possibly a nod to the iconic “Napalm Girl” photograph from the Vietnam War—this quirky pose has taken on a life of its own. Fans have turned it into a hilarious trend, with people mimicking the run in videos, GIFs, and even group reenactments at conventions. X posts are flooded with clips of folks dashing through parks, malls, and backyards, arms akimbo, captioned with quips like “When you hear Weapons is sold out but you still try to make it to the theater” or “Me running to solve the mystery of Maybrook.”

The meme’s popularity got a boost from Warner Bros.’ viral marketing, including a two-hour, unlisted surveillance-style video titled “2025_ _ _06:17AM.mov” showing kids running through the night. It’s eerie, silent, and perfectly unsettling, fueling the meme’s fire. Even Benedict Wong got in on the fun, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption “HUDDLE, SCREAM, LAUGH. REPEAT.” Whether you find it spooky or side-splitting, the Weapons run is the internet’s latest obsession, and we’re here for it.

Why Weapons Is a Must-Watch

Weapons isn’t just about viral memes—it’s a genre-bending horror experience that’s equal parts terrifying and thought-provoking. The film’s multi-perspective structure, which follows characters like a vengeful father (Brolin), a troubled cop (Alden Ehrenreich), and the school principal (Benedict Wong), keeps you guessing as the mystery unravels. Cregger, still grieving the loss of his friend Trevor Moore, poured his heart into this project, making it a personal yet universally chilling tale.

The film’s climax, involving a witch named Gladys (Amy Madigan) and some seriously gruesome head trauma, has sparked debate among fans—some love its ambiguity, others wanted more closure. But with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and praise for its “soul-rocking imagery,” it’s clear Weapons is a game-changer. Pro tip: Catch it in theaters at 2:17 p.m. for that extra-immersive vibe, as some screenings are timed to the kids’ disappearance.

What to Watch Next

Loved Weapons and craving more horror with a side of mystery? Here are our top picks to keep the chills coming:

• Barbarian (2022): Zach Cregger’s first horror hit is a must for its unpredictable twists and claustrophobic dread. Available on Hulu.
• When Evil Lurks (2023): This Argentine horror gem explores kids and supernatural evil in a bleak, unforgettable way. Stream it on Shudder.
• The Innocents (2021): A Norwegian chiller about kids with eerie powers—perfect for Weapons fans. Find it on AMC+.
• Alien: Earth (2025): Noah Hawley’s upcoming TV series promises sci-fi horror with a fresh spin. Coming soon to FX.

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What do you think of Weapons? Tried the running meme yet? Drop us a line or tag us on X with your thoughts—let’s keep the conversation going!