Adam Wingard and Simon Barret return with another high octane action thriller, Onslaught. The new film from the duo is meant to be part of a spiritual trilogy that includes You’re Next and The Guest. Adria Arjona leads the film as an Army sniper that needs to protect her daughter and community from three super soldiers. It’s been a long time coming for Wingard and Barret to give us another thriller like this but its finally here.

Onslaught is one of those movies that will undoubtedly become a midnight classic. Adam Wingard and Simon Barret bring another no holds barred thriller to the big screen. There’s a ton of explosions and a bunch of cheese. It has all the makings of an 80’s classic that will have you thinking of films like Escape From New York and They Live. Adria Arjona really shines as Celeste our protagonist thrust into this chaos. Adria is known for her comedic chops and these are still in the essence of this character but she showcases a whole other side of her. Celeste is an Army sniper and one that won’t take shit from anyone while still trying to be a better parent. I really enjoyed seeing this duality in her character while still seeing her go hand to hand with these killing machines. A lot of very inspired kill shots and also just cinematic sequences that elevate the film.

The soldiers that become super soldiers are pretty intimidating right from the get go. Alex Perreira a UFC fighter is front and center as the most ruthless soldier, The Butcher. I was always thinking to myself how terrifying this all really was, as the danger presented felt horrifying. Onslaught is shot in a way that it borders between various genres. There are times when the horror is front and center like a slasher but it’s able to still hit the gas on the high octane action. Wingard really blends it all so seamlessly into an 80 grind house flick that is just so damn entertaining. Adam and Simon really fuel the story with conspiracy and also social commentary on our military. Although I don’t think it ever reaches its full potential I still found myself enjoying what I saw. There’s a very interesting perspective of how the government can continue to use the dead as a means of propaganda throughout. I just wish that was bit more fleshed out but the idea is still very clear.

The rest of the characters here make the world feel more lived in but aren’t really three dimensional. Dan Steven plays a cooky evil scientist that’s right up his alley in performance. Drew Starkey is a whacked out secret agent that was pretty hilarious at times. The neighbors for Arjona also felt more like comedic backdrops as well. Onslaught is really Adria heavy and that’s not a bad thing but I would have loved to see more of these other characters as well. I really do hope there’s a future where this world can be fleshed out more because it was pretty interesting. I will say the one liners and also some of the action being off screen can make the film feel tired. Onslaught however has enough charm to bring it back even when you think it might slip.

Overall this is definitely a movie for people that loved the previous films from Wingard and Barret. If you weren’t too fond of those you might be feeling even more so ostracized here. Onslaught really does feel like a combination of those films that came before it. I had a ton of fun with this one and can’t wait to see what comes next. The film truly feels like a treat for all those that are looking for a thrill ride that doesn’t let up. It’s definitely worth checking out on a big screen with the loudest possible sound.

Onslaught is now playing in theaters!