Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” has officially launched on JioHotstar, bringing one of 2025’s most critically and commercially successful horror films to Indian streaming audiences. The thriller features powerhouse performances from Julia Garner and Josh Brolin that elevate an already compelling narrative, and the film exceeded industry expectations by grossing over $269 million during its global theatrical release.
The streaming platform announced the film’s availability through Instagram, sharing gripping scenes accompanied by the caption: “Everyone’s looking for answers while evil lurks in the town of Maybrook.” JioHotstar’s acquisition of “Weapons” represents a significant addition to their content library and provides Indian horror enthusiasts with access to a film that generated substantial cultural conversation throughout its theatrical run.
“Weapons” constructs its horror around a premise that feels both supernatural and disturbingly plausible. In Maybrook, seventeen children simultaneously abandon their beds during the night, running into darkness never to be seen again. This mass disappearance occurs without warning on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday, creating a mystery that defies explanation and transforms the community overnight. Director Cregger uses this setup as a foundation for exploring themes of blame, paranoia, and the fragility of social bonds when confronted with incomprehensible loss.
The emotional weight of “Weapons” rests largely on Julia Garner’s extraordinary performance as a school teacher who finds herself at the center of community suspicion. Her character must navigate a hostile environment where grief has transformed neighbors into accusers and trust has been replaced by paranoia. Josh Brolin leads the supporting ensemble alongside Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, all of whom contribute to creating a believable small-town community responding to extraordinary tragedy in recognizable human ways.
Behind the camera, “Weapons” made headlines before its release thanks to a January 2023 bidding war between major studios. New Line Cinema ultimately paid $38 million to secure the project, exceeding Universal’s offer by $7 million and preventing acclaimed director Jordan Peele from producing the film. This substantial investment proved well-calculated when “Weapons” grossed $269 million worldwide, establishing itself as 2025’s second-highest-earning horror film behind Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” which collected $366.7 million globally. The film’s success has validated New Line’s aggressive acquisition strategy and confirmed Cregger’s status as one of horror’s most exciting contemporary voices.