This past weekend, the mystery horror film ‘Weapons’ made a commanding debut, rocketing to No. 1 at the box office with an impressive $42.5 million opening. This chilling tale, penned and helmed by visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger, stars industry heavyweights Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Alden Ehrenreich, and follows the mysterious disappearance of 17 children from the same classroom. The film opens with an evocative and haunting scene: the children, appearing to be in a trance, leave their homes in the dead of night to the ethereal strains of George Harrison’s ‘Beware of Darkness’.
Harrison’s ‘Beware of Darkness’, from his acclaimed 1970 triple album ‘All Things Must Pass’, is an achingly beautiful track that perfectly encapsulates the foreboding atmosphere of ‘Weapons’. The song’s introspective lyrics resonate deeply with the film’s mysterious narrative, warning of the illusions that can obscure one’s true purpose. As the film unravels, this haunting melody sets the stage for the chilling events that follow, as the unseen force behind the children’s exodus becomes the focal point of the mystery.
The philosophical underpinnings of ‘Beware of Darkness’ were heavily influenced by Harrison’s association with the Radha Krishna Temple, reflecting his spiritual journey and the time he spent with members of the Hare Krishna movement at his Friar Park residence. Harrison’s lyrical warning to ‘beware of Maya’—a term from Hindu philosophy referring to the deceptive power of illusion—lends an otherworldly depth to the film’s eerie narrative.
As audiences flock to see ‘Weapons’, many will be introduced to the timeless allure of Harrison’s music, ensuring that his legacy continues to enchant new generations. The film’s success has not only proven its mettle at the box office but has also sparked renewed interest in Harrison’s solo work, reminding us of the ex-Beatle’s unique ability to weave profound themes into his music. With its potent combination of mystery and classic rock, ‘Weapons’ is set to leave an indelible mark on both the horror genre and the cultural zeitgeist.
