Movie Review: Barbarian (2022)
Synopsis
“Barbarian” is a 2022 horror film that plunges its audience into the depths of fear and uncertainty. Set within the unsettling confines of a derelict house in a derelict neighbourhood, the narrative opens when Tess Marshall, a young woman portrayed by Georgina Campbell, arrives in Detroit for a job interview. She finds that the Airbnb she has booked is already occupied by a man named Keith, played by Bill Skarsgård. Initially, this presents a perplexing situation; however, out of necessity and the threat of a storm, Tess reluctantly agrees to share the house with him for the night. What follows is a tension-filled exploration of trust, danger, and the macabre.
As night falls, subtle hints of danger loom in the shadows. Uncomfortable interactions between Tess and Keith begin to unravel, and their precarious situation is compounded when Tess uncovers a hidden door in the basement. Curiosity ignites, and despite Keith’s attempts to dissuade her, Tess descends into the terrifying unknown beyond that door. What she discovers is horrific—a subterranean world inhabited by a terrifying creature and dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of the seemingly innocuous house.
As the film progresses, new characters are introduced — notably, AJ who is played by Justin Long, a disgraced actor with his own demons. His arrival complicates the already fraught atmosphere as the story intertwines their fates, all the while keeping viewers questioning who to trust and what lies within the walls of the house. The film masterfully employs subtext, reflecting societal issues such as gender dynamics and trauma within its horrific elements.
“Barbarian” carves a unique niche within the horror genre, delivering a narrative filled with unexpected twists, psychological tension, and fierce commentary on human nature. It is a film that challenges the classical tropes of horror, subverting expectations at every turn.
List of Actors and Characters
- Georgina Campbell as Tess Marshall
- Bill Skarsgård as Keith
- Justin Long as AJ
- Matthew Patrick Davis as The Creature
- Richard Brake as Frank
- Julia Campanelli as The Mother
- Kate Bosworth as a supporting character
Review
“Barbarian” directed by Zach Cregger is a film that transcends traditional horror, merging the genre with striking psychological depth. From the onset, it capitalises on the innate sense of distrust that lurks in unfamiliar situations, making the audience question the intentions of the characters, particularly that of Keith, who initially appears to be a harmless stranger but becomes a focal point of tension.
The performances from Campbell and Skarsgård are noteworthy, as they deftly navigate their characters’ complex psyche. Georgina Campbell portrays Tess with a delicate balance of fragility and resilience. She becomes an emblem of survival as she slowly unfurls the layers of horror that enclose her. On the other hand, Skarsgård exemplifies a disarming charm that quickly becomes unsettling, creating an intriguing dynamic that keeps audiences engaged. His embodiment of Keith encapsulates the fine line between safety and danger, leaving viewers perpetually on edge.
Justin Long’s character AJ introduces a significant tonal shift in the film, juxtaposing Tess’s plight with his own narrative arc. As a disgraced actor, he brings a darker, comedic angle to the film, and his conflicting morals add an additional layer of tension. Long’s performance reinforces the theme of toxic masculinity, presenting a character who, despite being embroiled in horror, must confront his own shortcomings and complicity in the larger narrative of victimisation.
The cinematography and sound design in “Barbarian” work hand in hand to amplify the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The decision to frame claustrophobic, dimly lit scenes elicits a visceral sense of confinement, trapping the audience alongside Tess in her harrowing journey. Furthermore, sound plays a pivotal role in establishing tension. The use of silence and sudden auditory jarring — punctuated by subterranean growls and the skittering of unseen threats — crafts a chilling aura that heightens viewer anxiety.
What sets “Barbarian” apart from other horror films is its deft handling of social commentary intertwined within the fabric of horror. The film scrutinises the genre’s traditional portrayals of female characters, granting Tess agency and depth. While navigating the primal fears of being alone and vulnerable, her character embodies a refreshing departure from horror’s typical victim archetype. Instead of mere passivity, Tess evolves into a resourceful and determined protagonist, forcing her way through harrowing circumstances.
Thematically, the film tackles issues surrounding psychological trauma and the concept of the monstrous; not merely in a visceral sense but as an embodiment of personal demons and societal ills. This serves as a significant reflection on motivations and actions rooted in one’s history. The film’s creature, who emerges from the darkness, can be seen as a physical manifestation of deep-seated fears, ultimately revealing that true horror lies not only in the monster lurking in the shadows but also in the monsters we create through our actions and attitudes.
While “Barbarian” expertly maintains an escalating sense of dread, it is not without its challenges. The pacing does occasionally falter in the latter half of the film, risking a diluted tension as plot twists transform the narrative trajectory in unexpected ways. Moreover, while the initial premise is gripping, the complexity of some revelations may leave audiences craving deeper exploration of certain plot points and character backgrounds.
Yet, these minor setbacks do little to detract from the overall impact of the film. The final act of “Barbarian” reaches a crescendo of chaos and emotional catharsis; it balances claustrophobic horror with visceral action, leading to an exhilarating, heart-pounding climax. As the conclusion unfolds, the interplay between characters becomes increasingly horrifying, illuminating the extent to which trauma can intertwine fates, leaving a resonating echo of despair long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, “Barbarian” is a triumph within the horror genre, seamlessly interlacing deep-rooted themes with chilling suspense. It shuns predictable tropes and instead favours a narrative rich in psychological intrigue and social commentary. The brilliant performances, haunting atmosphere, and unexpected twists coalesce to create an engrossing cinematic experience. Though not devoid of flaws, it surely establishes itself as a memorable entry in contemporary horror, one that lingers in both thought and feeling long after viewing.
Score: 8.5/10
