‘Onslaught’ Review: Adria Arjona and Dan Stevens Star in Adam Wingard's Fun but Scattered Military

By: Variety

Published: 2026-09-01T13:28:19.850157Z

Last Updated: 2026-09-01T13:28:19.850160Z

Category: Entertainment

Adam Wingard’s latest film pairs Adria Arjona and Dan Stevens in a pulpy slasher that delivers bursts of energy without fully controlling its sprawling ideas.

• Arjona anchors the film with a forceful performance, bringing urgency and physicality to a story driven by violence and survival.

• Stevens adds a sly, unpredictable presence, helping give the film a playful edge amid its darker material.

• Wingard blends military action, creature-feature intensity and slasher conventions, creating several inventive set pieces.

• The film’s momentum is repeatedly interrupted by tonal shifts and a plot that struggles to connect its competing strands.

• Despite its scattered structure, Onslaught remains an entertaining genre experiment, particularly for viewers drawn to bold visuals, sharp action and unapologetic pulp.

The result is less a tightly engineered horror film than a collection of memorable ideas in search of a stronger framework. Its ambition and cast keep it engaging, even when the narrative loses focus.