Sometimes, the best revenge is a full-blown Onslaught.
Directed by Adam Wingard, Onslaught tells the story of Celeste (Adria Arjona), an ex-pat who spends her days as the landlord of a small trailer park. When her ex-husband arrives with their daughter for an unplanned visit, she is less than prepared (and thrilled). However, things unravel when a rogue squad of genetically-engineered super soldiers arrive on the scene, wreaking havoc on her weekend. Suddenly, Celeste is forced into all-out war to protect her home and her young daughter.
Under the gun, Onslaught lives up to its name. With an eye to classic action films of the 1980s, Wingard has created visceral violence for the senses, even if the film’s soul doesn’t always match the calibre of its gunfire.
And, make no mistake, Onslaught takes no prisoners.
With films like The Guest and, to a lesser extent, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire under his belt, Wingard has shown his ability to create murderous mayhem with childlike glee. Severed limbs, streaming firefights and just plain brutality are par for the course in Onslaught as the director leaves bodies on the floor and blood on the barbecue.
Having said this, the strongest work here lies in the furious fists of Arjona. Having most recently starred in more comedic films like Hitman and Splitsville, Onslaught really lets her set her sights on wanton violence. Focused and fierce, she absolutely embodies the sort of action hero that this film emulates. Yes, she may be a mother but, when called upon to defend her child, she becomes her own form of Terminator. And, just like Schwarzenegger and Stallone in the 80s, she unleashes her vengeance with cold, bloody results.
In this spirit, Arjona also becomes the film’s soul. Though the story focuses on a team of engineered super soldiers, it’s ultimately a tale of a woman taking the fight to the men who didn’t believe she could handle the heat. Without saying too much, Arjona’s backstory allows for her to take the lead on her own revenge tale, proving herself on the battlefield with a trail of bodies behind her. Her fiery wrath is unhinged when given the opportunity, giving Arjona the opportunity to truly show her skills as an action star. (And, if the Wonder Woman rumours are true, this is one heck of an audition for the role.)
Unfortunately, there’s not much else to get excited about with Onslaught. As an action film, Arjona is unbelievably strong and Wingard leaves it all out on the floor. But one can’t help but feel like there’s an opportunity for… more here. In other words, while Wingard’s execution (pun intended) is strong, this Onslaught feels like a missed opportunity to discuss things like the effects of PTSD or some form of conversation about the complexities of war. Instead, Wingard side steps any further insight, choosing to focus entirely on his set pieces. On that level, Onslaught feels like an empty experience, even if it fully empties its clip.
But, for many, that won’t matter.
For action fans, there’s more than enough to enjoy in Onslaught. Wingard’s onscreen reckless abandon does play well, providing the sort of visceral experience that taps into 80s action flicks. What’ s more, one absolutely cannot deny Arjona’s ability to level up her action game. Still, one can’t help that Wingard’s penchant for chaos still lacks that element to put it over the top. As such, Onslaught may have a lot of gas in the tank but it still leaves you feeling like it runs out in the end.
Onslaught is available in theatres on Friday, September 4th, 2026.
