Unlike most of A24’s 2026 releases, the 90-minute thriller “Onslaught” infuses action and slasher elements, features very little dialogue and uses high-octane grindhouse action. Director Adam Wingard even described it as “an A-plus B-movie.”

It follows a rogue trio of merciless, genetically engineered super soldiers who escape from an underground military and are designed to kill anyone in their path. However, Celeste, an ex-army sniper played by Adria Arjona, must protect her daughter when the super soldiers reach her trailer park. The film lets us know early on that these three soldiers are an unstoppable, Michael Myers-esque threat to the public. Not long into the movie, the experiment turns violent and they escape, massacring entire public spaces before reaching the trailer park.

The main issue with the film is that it feels restrained in numerous ways. It wants to be a provocative political commentary on military corruption and government overreach through its bizarre experiments and practices, but it isn’t exactly subtle about it either. The opening credit sequence uses clips from the Bush and Obama eras, directly hinting at a critique of wars they were involved in.

The film also features comically evil people working for the government who have no regard for the cost of lives that come with their operations. Unfortunately, “Onslaught” lacks the world-building needed to develop these themes in a meaningful way. Despite introducing evil characters that recklessly avoid any moral accountability for their experiments, we don’t know much about them or the military base that is in charge. It feels hollow and half-baked, and doesn’t give the viewer a good sense of the world they’re in.

Celeste’s past in the military and her connections to the super soldiers are explored, which intensifies the stakes of her fight for survival. Compared to what we see of the villainous government, this gives us a better idea of why she chose the life she has, and how she’s equipped to fight back. However, it is still slightly half-baked due to the film operating as a 90-minute action-thriller. The acting is generally passable but doesn’t significantly enhance our understanding of the characters.

After the experiment goes awry, the film kicks into high gear, and that’s when it becomes the most exciting. The second half functions as a contained thriller, with most of the action taking place in the trailer park. There is some variety in setting — producing gripping action in front of a unique backdrop. However, it occasionally holds back with the action, especially because of the disparity in the matchup between the super soldiers and trailer park residents. The unbalanced power dynamic leads to plenty of bad decisions made by the protagonists, which becomes frustrating to watch.

The film, reminiscent of 1980s horror films, is visually stunning and has a compelling score. The synth-driven score and eerie but gritty glow of the trailer park also add to the thrill of the action. However, the third act’s weak pacing hinders the rush from these aspects and overshadows the film’s technical strength.

Despite having great stylistic and technical elements, “Onslaught” is a display of lost potential due to its inability to go deeper with world-building, character development and action. There are multiple thrilling sequences, but the film is afraid to commit to high-level action and holds back by rushing the third act. Additionally, the film presents a government that conducts dangerous experiments and covers up all of the violence that occurs at any cost, but still only offers a surface-level view into how this government operates.

“Onslaught” has plenty of enjoyable moments, but its short runtime leaves the audience wanting more.

Rating: 5.5/10