Directed by:
Zach CreggerScreenplay:
Zach CreggerCinematography:
Zach KupersteinComposer:
Anna DrubichCast:
Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, Jaymes Butler, Richard Brake, Kurt Braunohler, Kate Bosworth, Matthew Patrick Davis, Sara Paxton (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Traveling to Detroit for a job interview, a young woman books a rental home. But when she arrives late at night, she discovers that the house is double booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to spend the evening, but soon discovers that there’s a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest (20th Century Studios)
(more)Videos (2)
Reviews (12)
I can't deny the film's style, ideas and the great feeling of the unknown I had while watching it. Unfortunately, I have to criticize it for being terribly, terribly long, and the longer it gets, the more bloated and annoying it seems to me. And considering the way it's written, I think it would work much better as a series. At least for me.
()
Sometimes, you can tell within the first five minutes of a horror movie that, despite its seemingly classic slasher premise, there's something different about it. Barbarian is that kind of different — in the best way. It's visually refined, atmospheric, and incredibly suspenseful. Even when it inevitably veers into entertaining absurdity, it keeps you thoroughly engaged the whole time. This is exactly how I imagine a well-made modern horror film.
()
Detroit's urban decay alone is haunting enough without the need for boogiemen, monsters, or mutants to spice things up. Yet, that's exactly where this film takes us. Surprisingly, it's not about the inhabitants of the city, human or otherwise, but rather centers around a single house. In that regard, the movie had promise, weaving together three distinct storylines. However, the monster itself was pretty underwhelming. It's the kind of thing that might leave the average American reaching for the ammonia, but for me, it just felt like a letdown. I couldn't help but think, "Really?" I was disappointed that the three narratives didn't intertwine in a more inventive manner. There was potential here, but it felt like the creators took the easy route. And as we all know, the path of least resistance seldom leads to greatness. It's a shame because this film had all the makings of thriller with potential. But when Justin Long popped up on screen, I had a sinking feeling. You know the drill - Jeepers Creepers, Tusk... / Lesson learned: Unpleasant places might seem cozier in the dark. 3*+
()
A properly intense wild piece that reminds me of my favourite Ghostland. I'm glad to see that every year some talented and unknown horror filmmaker comes along to satisfy our needs for years to come. Zach Cregger has made a very good horror film that can't leave anyone downright cold. Barbarian has perfect craftsmanship (the sound and cinematography are of Wan's caliber). Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård are both perfect (Justin Long a little less so, but it’s alright). The opening is a little slower, but once the action moves to the basement, it starts a hell of an uncomfortable, chilling and intense horror with a very uncomfortable and claustrophobic setting, a properly creepy villain – the best one so far in five years. The film also emphatically emphasizes the rational behavior of the characters, which is a very nice touch. It also manages to pleasantly and unpleasantly surprise the viewer on several occasions, the mystery and thick atmosphere works as well as the fear of the unknown. There were a few heart-attack-inducing jump-scares and of course there was gore – basically, everything we want to see in this genre. I'm giving a standing ovation, tearing my hair out and roaring HELL YEA!. Anyone who is going to be mad at this movie, I'm going to be mad at them. 9/10.
()
The concise first third of Barbarians with the wonderful Bill is great; the second has an unexpected comedic edge (I roared with laughter at the twist from jump-scare to reality farce), and the third is a mishmash, but... the original mix of inverse home invasion, lactation instruction, collecting of VHS snuff flicks, drama about cruel motherhood and black comedy about the MeToo movement simply kept me watching, even though some of the dramaturgical choices are very dubious and the film barely holds together in places. As another entry in the canon of Detroit high-concept horror movies (the magnificent and in some ways related Don’t Breathe and the more allegorical It Follows are worth mentioning), it is indeed a more than respectable work. A place where society has collapsed invites the rise of barbarism.
()
Ads