Did you know that the acclaimed horror film Barbarian is not the first directorial venture of Zach Cregger? His initial foray into directing came with the lesser-known sex comedy Miss March, in which he starred alongside his comedic partner from the renowned sketch group The Whitest Kids U Know, Trevor Moore. Although the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, I found it to be genuinely hilarious and even penned a positive review highlighting its comedic merits.
Tragically, the world lost Trevor Moore in a tragic accident when he fell from his home’s balcony. This heartbreaking event occurred just hours after he and Cregger had come together for a Twitch livestream aimed at raising funds for a project related to The Whitest Kids U Know — a feature-length comedy titled Mars. Moore’s untimely death on August 7, 2021, coincidentally aligned with the release of Weapons exactly four years later, a timing that feels deeply meaningful and intentional.
In an insightful interview with GQ, Cregger revealed that Weapons served as his emotional outlet for processing the grief he felt after losing Moore. “The movie’s about that overwhelming emotion you get when you lose someone close to you,” he explained, adding, “This script was me venting about that — so I didn’t explode.” His words reflect a profound understanding of how loss can influence creativity and storytelling.
Indeed, if you’ve had the chance to watch Weapons, you’ll notice that themes of grief permeate the narrative. This is especially evident in the poignant dialogue delivered by Josh Brolin’s character, Archer, who experiences a haunting hallucination of his missing son. In a vulnerable moment, he expresses regret for not having conveyed his love when his son was alive. This emotional depth not only enriches Weapons but also resonates with viewers, particularly as one of its co-stars, Aaron Abrams, embodies a spirit reminiscent of Moore. It’s easy to envision Moore stepping into the role that Abrams portrays.
Regardless of the circumstances, Weapons undoubtedly resonated with audiences, surpassing box office expectations and emerging as a standout horror success during a summer that otherwise lacked notable sleeper hits. Its impactful storytelling and emotional weight have cemented its place in the genre, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of loss and remembrance.
