The Big Picture

Is ‘Weapons’ a Classic? And an Oscar Contender? Plus: The Best Movies at TIFF!

September 15, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a complex ecosystem where the communal experience of engaging with cinema, even through consumerism like the Criterion van, fosters a sense of community, while also navigating the inherent challenges and controversies of festival programming and its impact on the film industry. 
  • The success of original horror films like 'Weapons' highlights a current trend in Hollywood where genre films, even those with unconventional origins and themes, can achieve significant commercial success and cultural impact, potentially becoming awards contenders. 
  • Filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and Zach Cregger, despite critical reception and audience engagement, face ongoing discussions about their artistic choices, the effectiveness of their storytelling, and their place within the broader landscape of contemporary cinema, particularly in relation to their personal artistic anxieties and the commercial realities of filmmaking. 
  • The film "Weapons" is designed to be interpreted rather than solved, leading to divisive discourse among critics and audiences who expect tidy explanations in the horror genre. 
  • The film "Weapons" is seen as a departure from the thematic and explanatory style of post-Ari Aster/Jordan Peele horror, opting for a more ambiguous and interpretive approach. 
  • Amy Madigan delivers a standout, terrifying performance as Aunt Gladys in "Weapons," potentially becoming a signature role and a strong contender for awards despite the film's genre classification. 

Segments

TIFF Criterion Van Experience
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(00:02:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The Criterion Collection van at TIFF became a focal point for community engagement, highlighting a unique intersection of consumerism and cinephilia where fans expressed genuine excitement for physical media and the brand’s cultural cachet.
  • Summary: The discussion revolves around the Criterion Collection van’s presence at TIFF, the interactions with people in line, and the perceived ‘clout’ associated with waiting for discounts on Blu-rays and taking photos, exploring the community aspect and the motivations behind attending.
TIFF Film Masterworks & Awards
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(00:11:09)
  • Key Takeaway: TIFF showcased a range of films, from critically acclaimed works like ‘Blue Heron’ and ‘Hamnet’ to more divisive entries, reflecting the festival’s role in shaping awards season narratives and highlighting the subjective nature of cinematic appreciation.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss notable films from TIFF, including ‘Hamnet,’ ‘The Smashing Machine,’ and ‘Frankenstein,’ debating their merits, potential awards prospects, and the varying critical and audience reactions, while also touching on the festival’s programming decisions and controversies.
Weapons and Conjuring Discussion
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(00:46:43)
  • Key Takeaway: ‘Weapons’ achieved significant commercial and cultural success as an original horror film, prompting discussions about its thematic depth, compelling narrative structure, and potential for awards consideration, while ‘The Conjuring: Last Rights’ is also noted as a major release.
  • Summary: The conversation shifts to recent horror films, with a deep dive into ‘Weapons,’ its critical reception, and its surprising box office performance, followed by a brief mention of ‘The Conjuring: Last Rights’ as another significant release in the genre.
Movie’s Thematic Ambiguity
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(00:51:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The film “Weapons” intentionally avoids explicit thematic explanations, challenging audience expectations within the horror genre and leading to debate about its meaning.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the frustration some critics and viewers have with the film not having a clear ‘what it’s about,’ contrasting it with movies that offer definitive messages. They explore the idea that the film is meant to be interpreted rather than solved, unlike traditional horror films that provide tidy explanations.
Horror Genre Tropes & Expectations
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(00:53:48)
  • Key Takeaway: The film’s lack of a tidy, supernatural explanation for its events, common in other horror films, is a key reason for audience confusion and criticism.
  • Summary: The conversation delves into why audiences struggle with the film’s ambiguity, comparing it to horror films that offer clear explanations for their monsters and events. The discussion touches on the influence of ’elevated horror’ and the expectation for films to have a central thesis.
Amy Madigan’s Performance
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(01:13:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Amy Madigan’s portrayal of Aunt Gladys is a powerful and terrifying villain performance that elevates the film and is a significant departure from her previous roles.
  • Summary: The hosts express surprise and admiration for Amy Madigan’s unrecognizable and scary performance as Aunt Gladys. They discuss her career and how this role is a significant, chilling addition, highlighting her effectiveness as a horror villain.
The Conjuring Franchise & Box Office
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(01:23:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Despite critical reception, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” achieved significant box office success, demonstrating the continued commercial viability of the horror genre and the franchise.
  • Summary: The discussion shifts to the latest Conjuring film, “Last Rites,” noting its strong opening weekend box office performance. They touch on the franchise’s longevity, the role of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the film’s perceived piety and slow pacing.