2022’s Barbarian, which is written and directed by Zach Cregger, is a gonzo, go for broke horror thriller that needs to be seen to believe. . . preferably with as little known as possible, so this will be a pared-down, to the basics, as close to spoiler free review as possible.
Following a guarded gal, Tess (Georgina Campbell), she has Airbnb’d a cute place in a sketchy neighbourhood in Detroit (the city takes another movie blow after others like Don’t Breathe). Arriving late at night (not truly realizing just how ramshackle the surrounding area is), she finds the lockbox holding key empty. A perfect side note for history lovers, the address of the place is 476 Barbary St. – the year the barbarians invaded ancient Rome.
Instead, inside is another renter, Keith (Bill Skarsgård), and it seems like the place has been double booked. Cregger does a solid job putting us in the mind frame of Tess, a woman apprehensive and unsure. At one point, Keith almost frustratingly exclaims, “Do I look like a monster?”. . . anyone who has seen It perhaps siding with poor Tess and her vexing situation. Though saying that, he comes across as a genuinely kind, honest, and well raised twenty-something.
Slow to unfurl, Cregger takes his time revealing anything pertinent. A little cinematography here, a door creaking open (or closed) there, a nightmare Keith is having while sleeping on the couch, adding to the tension. And then the film climaxes in a mid moment reveal. . . only to reset in sunny California with actor AJ (Justin Long).
Learning that an actress from his new project has accused him of something very serious, it sends him reeling. With his spending habits and upcoming legal fees causing quick money problems, he hops on a plane for Michigan, looking to unload some of his rental properties for much needed income. And, of course, his property is our film’s central location.
Finding some added square footage in the basement, he is pumped (seeing extra dollar signs in the selling). . . only for this to lead us to another intense moment of terror, which starts another reset – this time to Reagan era Detroit. Creatively unpacked, soon every storyline will come together for the wild true climax of the piece. It is quite clear that some will love it, others could loathe it, while it might just leave some in perplexing shock. . . but no matter your reaction, you can’t say it’s not one of the more original and unique horror premises seen in some time.
Though Barbarian generally feels very distinctive in its format and style, you can still sense its roots. . . everything from Psycho and Don’t Breathe, to the intense darkness in the ultra creepy basement somewhat reminiscent of the blackness of the caves in The Descent, Cregger mashes to originate, bringing out quality performances, hair standing cinematography (from Zach Kuperstein), and so much more. It is also worth noting that Cregger is good friends with horror connoisseur Jordan Peele, who gave him some guidance during the writing process, as well as after seeing an early cut of the picture. There might only be one thing that is for sure – that everyone will have an almost primordial, even subconscious reaction to what they’ll see onscreen. So, get out of your basement and check out this creative horror flick, you might just go gaga for it.