Director Zach Cregger’s horror dark comedy is one of the most unpredictable horror movies I’ve seen in years. After missing it in 2022 due to… circumstances, I’m glad I finally went in to it as blind as humanly possible. It’s a good thing to go in to “Barbarian” blind, because it takes the audience in to twists, turns, and spirals that they simply will not see coming. It begins as one kind of movie, turns in to another kind of movie, and then doesn’t stop shedding its skin to become a completely different kind of beast.
Traveling in to a new town for a job interview, a young woman named Tess discovers the rental BnB that she booked is already occupied by a stranger, a seemingly charming, but enigmatic guy named Keith. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night but soon discovers there’s a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest.
Again, I thought I had “Barbarian” figured out from the starting gate, but I was so absolutely wrong. “Barbarian” takes us in to this non-linear horror tale that, without our knowledge, begins as a puzzle with pieces scattered every which say. By the end everything is pretty much crashing in to place, and what seems inexplicable begin to make sense. And once they finally make sense, it’s about as sickening and horrendous as one can possibly imagine. For the most part, the unpredictability is the appeal of “Barbarian” as it manages to unfold a tense tale about two people in an awkward situation. What seems like it might become a tale of cat and mouse just peels away at layers that become so much more rotten beneath.
It’s kind of surprising that protagonist Tess doesn’t see the warning signs when she arrives at her BnB, especially as she’s accosted by a homeless man before entering the house. Bill Skarsgård and Georgina Campbell are great in their respective roles and have some dynamite chemistry. Skarsgård can take on any kind of role at this point in his career and make it work, and he’s interesting as Keith. Once Georgina begins digging in to her Bnb, the narrative just dials up the immensely psychotic and bizarre catalyst for her horrific experience. The introduction of the second half (bolstered by Justin Long’s sudden appearance) is beautifully handled with a well paced dip in to what we eventually learn is some truly twisted gore and grue.
It’s complimented by the excellent make up effects. More so what I loved about “Barbarian” is its sick sense of humor and how it takes such a weird scenario runs with it, eliciting some memorable albeit sickening moments. “Barbarian” is a pure horror gem, one that’ll keep viewers buzzing about long as its closing credits. I intend to re-visit it, soon.