Barbarian (2022)

Barbarian (2022) is a tense, unpredictable thriller about Tess, a young woman who arrives at an Airbnb late at night only to find the rental has been double-booked and a strange man, Keith, already inside. What begins as an awkward, uneasy encounter quickly spirals into something far darker as Tess uncovers that the house hides secrets and dangers no one expected. Watching Barbarian you’ll be led through a slow-burning atmosphere of claustrophobia and mounting dread, punctuated by jolts of shock and surprising twists. The film trades on contrast — polite small talk and everyday urban decay giving way to scenes of escalating menace — so viewers will feel anxious, on-edge, and frequently unsettled as mysteries peel back layer by layer. Strong performances and tight direction keep the tension taut, while sound design and lighting make the house itself feel like a character. This is a thriller with horror elements and some disturbing, violent moments; it’s best seen with the lights off if you want the full immersive effect, but be prepared for content that many viewers will find intense. If you enjoy slow-burn suspense that pays off with unexpected turns and sustained unease, Barbarian delivers a memorable, unsettling ride.

Actors: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long

Director: Zach Cregger

Genre: Thriller

78 /100 7.0 /10 7.4 /10