Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Barbarian’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Georgina Campbell as Tess in 20th Century Studios' BARBARIAN. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

One particular complaint that we often hear these days when it comes to storytelling on the silver screen, is that there just seems to be a lack of original stories on the market. Everything seems to be a sequel or a remake or everything is based off of a property we already know, and that in turn is keeping fresh stuff from hitting the market, and it makes sense as to why this complaint exists. After all, superhero movies rule the day and remakes and reboots, and the ‘reimagining’ are indeed all the rage since new frontiers in special effects are allowing for old ideas to come to life in new and magnificent ways. But while so many believe that this complaint is warranted through and through, it just isn’t correct since there is still original stuff to be found out there.
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For there are filmmakers working hard to create exciting new motion pictures that push the envelope and/or offer a story that no one has ever seen before, it just requires a little looking on our part to find them since everyone else is talking about and excited about the latest big-time release. In fact, it just so happens… that a brand-new horror film hits the market today that is about as original as they come. For Barbarian from 20th Century Studios is a scary story that has never been told before and manages to surprise the viewer every step of the way and it accomplishes those particular feats by outright taking the audience on a manipulative ride. For this is a story that at first glance really appears as though it is going to be a horror movie that preys upon a new fear. One created out of a growing concern in our world, specifically… the quality and safety of an Airbnb.

After all, when we meet Tess in this tale, she’s skeptical and stunned over the fact that her Airbnb is already occupied by a gentleman named Keith. Who while kind and inviting, leaves her nervous. For she doesn’t know him or his intentions in the slightest, and that concern, and Keith’s impish innocence… leads one to believe that we are about to be treated to a torturous horror film. One where Keith reveals his true evil nature, while providing us with lessons on exercising caution and how companies need to do better about providing and caring for their customers. But that’s where the story begins to slip into different territory. For Tess comes to learn that there is another entity within the walls of this house and her desire to know more about it… brings forth the real terror in question, and also the film’s refreshing surprise.

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For the other entity in this home, is not what we expect it to be. Which means once that discovery comes into play, we are plunged into bold new territory for the genre. Where we are outright introduced to a new kind of monster for the ages. One that keeps us guessing at to its intentions and its origins and well… that makes for a supremely original story. The kind that is free of expectations and cliché and instead allows for an organic and nightmarish experience to unfold. Where you don’t see the twists and turns coming in the slightest and that in turn, makes you incredibly vulnerable as a viewer. To the point where you don’t know what to do but sit back and hang on for a ride that is also, supremely terrifying in nature. 
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For Writer/Director Zach Cregger does a wonderful job of preying upon our fears of the unknown, alongside others. Such as our fears of the dark, fear of strangers and unknown locations and situations. And those fears are incredibly amplified here and enhanced through simple and classic tricks visually. The kind that truly take you off guard and make you jump and squeal. Making this an impactful horror experience, one that is also rife with some fascinating commentary. The kind that speaks to how ignorant humanity can be to the evils of the world and how we tend to let it persist underneath our noses. Which is commentary that plays out in a beautifully subtle manner through the nightmarish visuals present here and through the introduction of a surprise character in the midst of the chaos.

But while it is wonderful to know that this movie will shock and stun you, we’d be foolish to not mention the quality performances present here too. Since Georgina Campbell is electric as Tess, and she brings an honesty to the role that has you rooting for her every step of the way, and Bill Skarsgård does a wonderful job of making us uncomfortable in a unique manner as Keith, and Justin Long just steals the show as AJ, since this is a new type of role for him, and well… at this point, you’ve likely noticed that we’ve kept this review light on spoilers and details and there is good reason for that. Because this is a delightfully demented and twisted tale that needs to be experienced firsthand and in the dark, and the good news is you can do that right now. For Barbarian is in theaters and we here at NTG certainly hope you give this motion picture a look. Because it truly is the most original horror movie to hit theaters in years.

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