‘Onslaught’ Receives Mixed CinemaScore as Adam Wingard’s A24 Thriller Debuts
Adam Wingard has spent much of the last decade navigating between major studio productions and the indie genre filmmaking that initially brought him acclaim. After directing two films in the ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ series and a challenging ‘Blair Witch’ sequel, he has returned to the gritty horror style reminiscent of the late ’70s and early ’80s that defined his breakout hits like ‘The Guest’ and ‘You’re Next.’
This latest project, ‘Onslaught,’ marks his continued collaboration with longtime writing partner Simon Barrett and features a strong cast led by Adria Arjona. She plays a combat veteran and single mother who must protect her daughter when a group of genetically engineered super soldiers escapes near her trailer park in the desert.
The film debuted with a mixed reception, earning a C grade from CinemaScore based on audience exit polling from its opening night.
Distributed by A24, ‘Onslaught’ hit theaters on September 4, marking it as one of the studio’s more intense genre offerings this fall. The film runs for 92 minutes and features a notable ensemble cast, including Dan Stevens, Eric Wareheim, Reginald VelJohnson, Michael Biehn, Alex Pereira, Drew Starkey, and Rebecca Hall.
Wingard has referred to ‘Onslaught’ as the third installment in a loose spiritual trilogy alongside ‘You’re Next’ and ‘The Guest,’ continuing his creative partnership with Barrett on both the story and screenplay. This connection to his previous works has been a focal point in critical discussions, with many reviewers highlighting the film’s nostalgic tone and 1980s-inspired action sequences.
Critical feedback has been mixed, with many praising the film’s visuals and performances while expressing disappointment over its narrative cohesion. Some reviews noted that the film is filled with missed opportunities, showcasing strong acting and intriguing concepts that fail to come together satisfactorily.
Other critics pointed out the film’s awkward mix of genuine thrills and underdeveloped commentary, suggesting that its politically charged premise about weaponized super soldiers is overshadowed by its action scenes rather than engaging fully with the themes it presents. This tension between spectacle and substance seems to be a recurring theme in early reviews.
The timing of the release has also raised some eyebrows, as it opened during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a time typically associated with lower box office turnout as audiences focus on end-of-summer activities rather than going to the movies. This scheduling choice has led some critics to speculate that the studio may have had modest expectations for the film’s opening performance.
Despite this, ‘Onslaught’ boasts a talented crew behind the scenes, with cinematography by Oren Soffer, production design by Tom Hammock, and a score by Matthew Pusti, all contributing to a technically proficient film.
The story follows Arjona’s character, Celeste, a trailer park manager and former soldier who is forced back into combat mode when the rogue super soldiers threaten her community and her young daughter, played by Blake Kennedy. Dan Stevens co-stars as Dr. Hans Kammler, adding depth to the film’s military science-fiction backdrop.
Whether the mixed CinemaScore will affect its box office performance remains to be seen, but the combination of lukewarm reviews and a challenging release date does not bode well for a strong opening. For fans of Wingard’s previous horror films, ‘Onslaught’ presents an opportunity to see the director revisiting familiar genre territory, even if audience reactions so far appear divided on how successful that return has been.
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