A24's 'Onslaught' premieres in Los Angeles with a call for bolder cinema

Los Angeles witnessed the premiere of A24's action thriller Onslaught on Wednesday, an event that doubled as a spirited defense of original filmmaking. The film's stars and director used the occasion to advocate for a cinematic landscape that prioritizes creative audacity over formulaic production.

Lead actress Adria Arjona suggested that audiences are increasingly seeking out films that break the mold. She noted a palpable shift in energy around movie theaters, attributing it to a slate of upcoming releases that feel genuinely exciting. Arjona specifically praised A24 for committing to a theatrical rollout for Onslaught, calling it a calculated risk that more studios should emulate.

Her co-star, Dan Stevens, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need for the industry to back original intellectual property from visionary directors. Stevens expressed pride in director Adam Wingard's decision to pursue this project, even as it meant stepping away from the blockbuster MonsterVerse franchise, where he had helmed two successful films.

Wingard himself explained his departure from the franchise world, describing a decade spent working within pre-established rules. He felt a strong pull to return to his roots and create something more personal and unconstrained. Onslaught, he said, is a genre-blending ride that channels his influences from the 1980s and 1990s, aiming to take audiences on an unpredictable journey that mixes action, humor, and pathos.

The film follows Arjona's character, an army sniper, who must protect her daughter from a super soldier, played by Stevens, who has escaped from a secret military facility. Onslaught is scheduled to hit theaters on September 4.