Cregger divides his story into character-driven chapters, giving the film a more ensemble feel than if the narrative had moved in a straight line. After learning about Justine’s traumatic existence—which sets the tone for the film, enhanced by an excellently prickly performance from the “Ozark” Emmy winner—we jump back in time to explore the story of Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), the devastated father of one of the missing children.
Some events from Justine’s story converge with Archer’s, allowing us to see these moments from different perspectives. While some may argue that this sort of narrative gamesmanship is a shallow trick, I see it as a feature, not a flaw.
The film is driven by competing narratives and hidden secrets. It’s a movie about what’s lurking in your neighbor’s basement or something deadly concealed in a criminal’s pocket—something waiting to jump out and hurt you.
https://crooksandliars.com/2025/10/cls-best-horror-movies-2025-weapons
