If a story is what happens but a plot is the order in which it's told, Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” is a plotting master class. Beginning with the disappearance of many children in a small town, “Weapons” leads us through the emotional aftermath, the discovery of strange clues and finally the original events behind the mystery. Whether it all ultimately satisfies will be up to the viewer, but as a moviegoing experience “Weapons” is never less than riveting.

In peaceful little Maybrook, a young elementary school teacher, Justine (Julia Garner), shows up to work one morning to find her classroom all but empty. At precisely 2:17 a.m., according to doorbell cameras, 17 of her students bolted from their homes, arms curiously spread like airplane wings, and were never seen again. The police grill

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