Indian audiences can now access “Weapons,” the Zach Cregger-directed horror masterpiece that became one of 2025’s most discussed and profitable cinematic releases. Featuring career-defining performances from Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, the thriller exceeded industry expectations by grossing over $269 million during its global theatrical release while earning critical praise for its innovative narrative structure and sustained atmospheric terror.
JioHotstar has secured this highly sought-after title for Indian viewers, making the announcement through their Instagram platform with atmospheric footage from the movie. The caption—”Everyone’s looking for answers while evil lurks in the town of Maybrook”—effectively communicates the paranoid dread that permeates every frame of the film. This streaming release ensures that audiences who missed the theatrical window can experience the phenomenon that captivated viewers worldwide.
The narrative power of “Weapons” stems from its disturbing central premise executed with precision and intelligence. In the fictional town of Maybrook, seventeen children vanish on the same night, leaving their beds to disappear into darkness in what appears to be a coordinated event. This mass disappearance occurs without warning on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday, creating a mystery that shatters the community’s sense of normalcy. Cregger uses this setup as a foundation for exploring themes of blame, paranoia, and how quickly civilization can crumble when confronted with the incomprehensible.
Julia Garner’s performance as the school teacher who becomes the center of community suspicion showcases her extraordinary dramatic range and technical skill. Her character must endure not only the grief of losing students but also the horror of being falsely accused by people she considered neighbors and friends. The psychological complexity and emotional authenticity she brings to the role create an anchor that grounds the film’s supernatural elements in human truth. Josh Brolin leads the supporting ensemble alongside Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, all contributing to create a believable small-town community responding to extraordinary circumstances in recognizable ways.
Behind the scenes, “Weapons” made headlines before its release thanks to a January 2023 bidding war between entertainment industry giants. New Line Cinema secured the project with a $38 million offer that topped Universal’s competing bid by $7 million, preventing Jordan Peele from producing the film through the latter studio. This substantial investment demonstrated remarkable prescience when “Weapons” earned $269 million globally, making it 2025’s second-highest-grossing horror film behind Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” at $366.7 million. The film’s success represents both a creative triumph for Cregger and a commercial validation of original horror storytelling in an era often dominated by franchises.