The horror comedy “Weapons” has captivated audiences with its intricate plot filled with unexpected twists and turns. Early marketing efforts for the film were notably discreet, carefully concealing some of its most significant surprises. One such revelation was so tightly guarded that one of the key cast members, Amy Madigan, was absent from the press tour, refraining from interviews until now. Caution: spoilers ahead for those who haven't yet seen “Weapons.”
Directed and written by Zach Cregger, “Weapons” tells the chilling story of a small Pennsylvania town thrown into chaos when 17 children from the same third-grade class mysteriously disappear overnight. The film focuses on a grieving father, played by Josh Brolin, who suspects that the class teacher, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), may be connected to the disappearances. Gandy seeks answers from Alex (Cary Christopher), the only student who remains unharmed. However, the true antagonist is revealed to be Gladys (Amy Madigan), who poses as Alex’s aunt. This sinister character employs witchcraft to drain the life force from Alex's parents and lure his classmates to her home, intending to siphon their energy as well.
Though Cregger takes his time to fully unveil Gladys, her presence is undeniably impactful. From her eccentric appearance—complete with gaudy red wigs and green-tinted glasses—to Madigan's remarkable performance, Gladys is a character that lingers in the minds of viewers. Madigan, well-known for her roles in “Field of Dreams” and “Uncle Buck,” expressed her surprise at the quick rise of her character to horror-movie fame. In a recent video call, she remarked, “It’s been overwhelming. A couple of people I’ve worked with or known said, ‘I didn’t know that was you till the end of the film!’”
Madigan describes Gladys as a “very misunderstood woman” who embodies the role of the villain out of necessity. “She has a plan, but I don’t think she quite knew how that was going to unfold,” she explains. Gladys is portrayed as an artist of sorts, constantly adapting to her circumstances and relying on others for her needs. Madigan finds this duality—manipulation and charm—intriguing, stating, “She just makes me sit up, Gladys. She just spoke to me.”
When crafting Gladys, Madigan drew inspiration from renowned figures such as Diane Arbus and classic horror performances like Bette Davis in “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” and Ruth Gordon in “Rosemary’s Baby.” Collaborating closely with Cregger, the special effects team, and the costume designer, she embraced the character’s outrageous aesthetic and the confidence that comes with it. With her vibrant colors and signature brooch, Madigan believes Gladys exudes a fabulous yet unsettling aura that resonates with audiences. “Every gay man I know will be dressing as Gladys for Halloween,” she humorously speculated.
As the plot unfolds, the audience is left questioning whether Gladys is genuinely Alex’s aunt or a manipulative figure who inserts herself into their lives. Madigan is hesitant to define the character too rigidly, preferring to leave her origins ambiguous. “I would say it is an amalgamation of things,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of mystery in her portrayal.
While Madigan doesn’t always script out a character’s backstory, she reflects on elements such as music and fashion to inform her portrayal. “What music would Gladys listen to?” she muses, suggesting she might enjoy dissonant jazz and classic show tunes, adding depth to her character's quirky persona.
Madigan recounts her experience working with Cary Christopher, the young actor portraying Alex. She praises his intelligence and the careful approach taken by the director to ensure a comfortable environment for the child actor, especially during intense scenes. This consideration highlights the film's commitment to creating a safe and respectful set.
After viewing an early cut of “Weapons,” Madigan felt pleasantly surprised by her performance. The film’s premiere generated buzz, with audiences gradually recognizing her as Gladys. “It’s humbling, in a way, because people are really appreciating your work,” she noted. As the conversation around her character continues to grow, Warner Bros. has even hinted at a potential prequel focused on Gladys, which Madigan welcomes but approaches with cautious optimism.
As Madigan reflects on her career, she acknowledges the challenges faced by older actresses in the industry. She remains hopeful for new opportunities that may arise from her role in “Weapons,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of acting roles. “You can go up and then you can go all the way down, as we know,” she reminds us, underscoring the importance of seizing opportunities as they come.
In conclusion, “Weapons” not only showcases a captivating storyline but also features a standout performance by Amy Madigan as Gladys. With its blend of horror and comedy, the film has garnered significant attention, paving the way for future discussions about character development and potential sequels. As audiences continue to explore the depths of this film, the character of Gladys remains a fascinating subject of conversation in the horror genre.
