Onslaught Review: Franchise Fatigue Hits Adam Wingard's Action Thriller

This week marks the release of Adam Wingard's Onslaught, starring Adria Arjona as Celeste, a former Army sniper who protects her trailer park in New Mexico from escaped super-soldiers. While the film captivates with its striking visuals and an engaging first act, it ultimately falls short by prioritizing the establishment of a possible shared universe, a trend prevalent in Hollywood's focus on sequels. Wingard, recognized for his low-budget horror films, has recently shifted towards franchise projects, which is evident in Onslaught. The opening credits feature footage of Presidents Nixon, Clinton, and Bush, alongside drone combat scenes. Dan Stevens and Rebecca Hall play the roles of mad scientists Dr. Hans Kammler and his wife Hanna. The screenplay by Simon Barrett concludes with unresolved mysteries, leaving a cliffhanger that detracts from the film's ability to stand alone.