What Is the Story About?
Tess books a home in a small town to attend a job interview nearby. However, she is unaware that it’s already been taken by another guy Keith and that the location is abandoned.
The movie’s core premise is what happens when Tess and Keith encounter something unexpected within the home they stay in. How the whole thing connects to a rape-accused actor AJ and what happens to him when he lands at his home to sell it is the film’s overall story.
Performances?
Once the initial talking is done, it is about the thrill factor, with many tense moments individually and together. Again, both Campbell and Skarsgard are good here, conveying the terror and horror.
Justin Long joins the narrative midway bringing a new angle to the proceedings. He adds a dash of humour with his antics. They are not funny, but the way he goes about them brings the undercurrent dark humour. It is critical to the tale ahead as a horror element is in store for him and others.
Analysis
Zach Cregger writes and directs Barbarian. It is in tune with the latest brand of serious horror narratives with dark humour and multilayer narratives reflecting the current social conditions and offering a subversion of the older tropes.
Only the initial few minutes take time to adjust, but once that is done, the gripping narrative, writing and performances grab the attention. There is no looking back ‘literally’ if one is invested in the slowly but terrifyingly built tension.
Like some of the recent Hollywood movies in the horror space, the psychological aspect plays a crucial role in the narrative. The location and setting are critical to it. We have a claustrophobic atmosphere here with narrow tunnels and cells. If one fears such spaces, the blocking might generate a harrowing feeling in the mind.
Apart from the space, a ‘Mee-too’ angle is thrown in without disturbing the core flow. The nonchalant behaviour of one of the protagonists and how it ties to the core horror drama make Barbarian fresh and exciting.
The slow pace is an issue for those who don’t connect with the proceedings. For others immersed in the setting, it isn’t bothersome at all, as something keeps happening to bring one on edge.
After all the genuine build-up, the finale appears a little weak, but the work is done by that time. It is a mere formality at that point to give a perfect ending, one that will make most, if not all, satisfied.
Overall, Barbarian is a moody, atmospheric horror thriller with a slow pace. The freshness of the premise and gripping screenplay make it a winner keeping the genre sensibilities in mind. If you like the horror-thriller genre with less focus on gore and more on the chills and thrill, give it a try.
Music and Other Departments?
Anna Drubich’s background score is entirely in sync with the narrative. A moodiness is maintained with its minimalistic approach. But, it doesn’t shy away from the typical big jump-scare moments sounds. It is not over the top but simultaneously gets it right not to miss the fun within the space.
Zack Kuperstein’s cinematography is clean. Nothing is overdone, and everything is kept simple, adding to the tense moments. Joe Murphy’s editing is fine. The sharp cuts are never felt, and the narrative flows smoothly without jarring. The writing is good, as mentioned previously.
Highlights?
Screenplay
Writing
Direction
Performances
Drawbacks?
Beginning Moments
Parts Of The Final Act
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Barbarian Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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