The 2022 horror thriller “Barbarian,” directed by Zach Cregger, has become available for streaming on Netflix, reigniting interest in its chilling narrative and unexpected twists. Set in a grim house located at 476 Barbary in Detroit, the film intricately weaves the lives of various characters who confront unimaginable horrors beneath an Airbnb.
“Barbarian” follows Tess (Georgina Campbell), who arrives in Detroit for a job interview only to discover that her Airbnb has been double-booked with Keith (Bill Skarsgård). Against her instincts, they share the space, but the real nightmare begins when Tess finds a hidden room in the basement. This leads her to encounter a terrifying creature known as The Mother, revealing a dark history tied to the house.
As the story unfolds, viewers are introduced to AJ (Justin Long), a disgraced actor and the house’s owner, who finds himself entangled in the same terrifying fate as Tess and Keith. The film explores themes of survival and challenges the notion of who truly embodies the monster, hinting that the real threats emerge more from humanity than from the creature itself.
The twisty narrative not only captivates horror fans but also highlights the psychological depth beneath the terror. Cregger’s inspiration was to push boundaries and defy expectations throughout the writing process, resulting in a screenplay that constantly surprises.
Director Cregger also emphasizes the complexity of The Mother, portraying her as a product of her tragic history, shaped by a lineage of inbreeding. He underscores that while she may commit horrifying acts, her motivations stem from a survival instinct, blurring the lines between villain and victim.
As audiences revisit “Barbarian,” they can stream it on Netflix, or alternatively, rent or purchase it on major platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. The film encourages viewers to reflect on the nature of monstrosity, both in the literal and metaphorical sense, which adds depth to its horrifically entertaining plot.
In a hopeful light, “Barbarian” serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit; while conditions surrounding the characters appear bleak, Tess’s survival efforts underscore a survival narrative that resonates with audiences facing their own challenges.