Barbarian

            Using an Airbnb is a pretty popular choice nowadays when you are traveling, but that wasn’t always the case. There was a time when you told someone you were staying in a room at someone’s house that you would get looks of bewilderment. Of course they had every reason to look at you like you were crazy, I mean you could be staying with some real crazies. With that said it is kind of amazing it has taken 14 years for someone to build a horror movie around this idea, but as they say, better late than never.

          On a rainy night Tess (Georgina Campbell) has found her Airbnb that she has rented and after rereading the check-in instructions, heads to the front door. After struggling with the lock bow, she opens it only to find it empty, which is going to make it real difficult to get in the house. After a failed phone call to the renter, she sees a light on inside and a man in the place she rented. Confused at what is going on, Tess ring’s the bell and Keith (Bill Skarsgàrd) comes to the door, wondering who this angry woman is. After some questions and maybe a few finger pointing they come to the conclusion that they are screwed for at least the night. Keith suggests Tess stays there the night and even offers up the bedroom, as he takes the couch. The next day they go do their things about town and when Tess comes back home the need for toilet paper takes her to a basement. Once down there the door locks her in and being trapped she starts to explore the basement for a way out, where she finds a rope that opens a secret door. With that she breaks rule number one when renting an Airbnb, never go through a secret door in a basement, a rule she is going to regret breaking pretty soon.

With Barbarian Zach Cregger, who both wrote and directed the film, sets a tone and demonstrates that he knows exactly what he is doing. Cregger, who is an actor first and foremost, knows the importance of a good cast and the one he has assembled really comes to play. Campbell is incredible as well as Skarsgàrd, who has become quite the go-to when it comes to horror films. Although the scares might not break any new ground, as there are a few of the usual troupes, where it ends up will leave your mouth on the floor.

                I will not say what happens in Barbarian and really the best advice I can tell you is to go see it as blind as possible. Luckily the trailers have been pretty vague and when it is all done you will be glad that they were. While I was all the way in for the first two acts, the third act took it down a notch, but a notch down from excellent is still pretty damn good. Barbarian  is for sure a horror sleeper and one that cries seeing with a large audience as the feeling you will get in that room will only enhance your experience.