Director Adam Wingard returns to independent filmmaking with “Onslaught,” a military-themed slasher that marks a departure from his recent major studio productions. The film follows a 12-hour countdown to a violent confrontation, blending the elevated genre sensibilities that Wingard and writer Simon Barrett are known for. While the movie occasionally feels unpolished and could benefit from additional script refinement, it represents some of their most visually ambitious work to date.
The narrative centers on Celeste, a former sniper portrayed by Adria Arjona, who manages a trailer park for military veterans while raising her young daughter. Her quiet existence is disrupted when three enhanced super-soldiers created by a scientist named Dr. Hans Kammler, played by Dan Stevens, escape and begin a violent rampage through nearby towns. The film takes considerable time before these antagonists reach Celeste’s compound, creating two distinct movie experiences that eventually converge.
Arjona’s committed performance grounds the emotional core of the film, establishing audience investment in her character’s protective instincts. The delayed arrival of the main conflict allows character development but results in repetitive action sequences during the climactic confrontation. Supporting players including Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Wareheim provide additional texture to the ensemble cast.
Despite structural inconsistencies, “Onslaught” compensates with stylish execution and inventive violence. The film’s audiovisual approach creates tension effectively, delivering the kind of genre entertainment expected from independent horror-action hybrids.
Originally reported by Variety →
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