Barbarian (2022)

Barbarian (2022), directed by Zach Cregger, is one of those horror films that starts deceptively simple and quickly turns into something far more disturbing. What begins as a story about a woman booking an Airbnb in Detroit spirals into an unsettling exploration of trauma, hidden evils, and survival.

Detailed Summary

The Awkward Airbnb Mix-Up

Tess (Georgina Campbell) arrives late at night to a rental house in a run-down Detroit neighborhood, only to find it already occupied by Keith (Bill Skarsgård). Despite her suspicions, she reluctantly decides to stay the night after Keith proves himself polite, even considerate. The tension in this section is expertly crafted, making viewers question Keith’s true intentions.

Descent Into the Basement

The next day, Tess explores the house and discovers a hidden passage leading to a disturbing underground tunnel system. The corridors are pitch-dark, lined with hidden rooms, including one with a dirty bed, camera, and bloody handprints. Keith doesn’t initially believe Tess but follows her down, only to be attacked by something horrifying in the darkness.

Introduction of AJ

Abruptly, the movie shifts to AJ (Justin Long), a Hollywood actor facing sexual assault allegations. AJ is revealed to be the actual owner of the Detroit house. When he visits to assess its value, he too stumbles upon the underground tunnels. His greedy obsession with square footage humorously contrasts with the mounting horror. Soon, AJ encounters the monstrous figure lurking beneath the house.

The Mother

The creature is revealed as “The Mother,” a grotesque, deformed woman who behaves with primal maternal instincts, forcing captives to drink milk from a bottle (and sometimes directly from her). She sees Tess and AJ as her “children.” Her terrifying appearance masks the tragic backstory rooted in generational abuse and horror.

Frank’s Dark Secret

Through a flashback, we meet Frank, the original homeowner from decades ago, who abducted, assaulted, and imprisoned women beneath the house. The Mother is the result of generations of incest and captivity. Frank, now elderly and bedridden in the tunnels, ultimately takes his own life when AJ discovers his existence.

Movie Ending

In the climax, Tess manages to escape temporarily, but returns to help AJ, proving her compassion and resilience. Together they flee into the night, only to be pursued by The Mother. They take shelter in an abandoned water tower, where AJ shockingly betrays Tess—pushing her off the ledge to save himself. Tess survives the fall, but The Mother jumps after her, sacrificing herself to cushion Tess’s body.

As AJ tries to justify his betrayal, The Mother brutally kills him by tearing his head apart. In the final moments, The Mother attempts to comfort Tess, reaching out as though she still sees her as a child. Horrified yet empathetic, Tess shoots The Mother in the head, finally ending the nightmare. The credits roll over Tess walking into the dawn, bruised but alive.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Barbarian does not feature any mid-credits or post-credits scenes. Once the film ends, the story is complete, leaving its impact lingering in silence.

Type of Movie

Barbarian is a psychological horror-thriller with elements of dark comedy. It blends tension-driven setups with shocking violence and satirical commentary on gender dynamics, abuse, and trust.

Cast

• Georgina Campbell as Tess
• Bill Skarsgård as Keith
• Justin Long as AJ
• Richard Brake as Frank

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Anna Drubich, whose eerie, minimalist soundscape amplifies the unsettling atmosphere. Instead of traditional jump-scare cues, the music often lingers in droning tones that reflect the claustrophobic and oppressive tunnels.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in Detroit, Michigan, though many of the interiors were filmed on sets in Bulgaria. Detroit’s abandoned and deteriorating neighborhoods play a crucial role in the film’s atmosphere, highlighting themes of urban decay and forgotten horrors festering beneath the surface.

Awards and Nominations

Barbarian received widespread critical acclaim and was listed among the best horror films of 2022. It earned nominations from several critics’ groups, particularly for Best Horror Film, Best Director (Cregger), and Best Actress (Campbell). While it didn’t dominate major award ceremonies, it has already gained cult classic status among horror fans.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Zach Cregger was inspired by a book on women’s intuition and the red flags they often feel but ignore.
• Bill Skarsgård deliberately played Keith ambiguously to make audiences question if he was trustworthy.
• Justin Long embraced playing a sleazy, unlikable character as a contrast to his usual roles.
• The house was meticulously reconstructed on a soundstage in Bulgaria, even though exterior shots used real Detroit locations.

Inspirations and References

The movie draws inspiration from real-world anxieties surrounding women’s safety, urban blight, and systemic cycles of abuse. It also echoes horror traditions of “the house with secrets” (The People Under the Stairs, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) while flipping audience expectations about who the true monster is.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Cregger has mentioned that the ending was always intended to end with Tess killing The Mother. However, some deleted material reportedly gave more context to AJ’s Hollywood scandal, though these scenes were cut to maintain the pacing and mystery.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Barbarian is not based on a book. It is an original screenplay by Zach Cregger, though its layered storytelling feels like a twisted novel adapted for screen.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Tess discovering the secret rope that reveals the hidden basement door.
• Keith crawling toward Tess in the tunnel before being killed by The Mother.
• AJ measuring the underground dungeon for real estate value.
• The flashback to Frank shopping in the 1980s, foreshadowing his predatory nature.
• The Mother leaping off the water tower to save Tess.

Iconic Quotes

• Keith: “You’d be crazy not to be cautious.”
• AJ (desperate): “I’m a good person! I’m a good person!”
• The Mother (to Tess, silently through actions): A grotesque attempt at maternal comfort that’s both horrifying and heartbreaking.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The address number of the house (476) is subtly referenced throughout production notes, symbolizing “the house of horrors.”
• Bill Skarsgård’s casting intentionally plays on his It role as Pennywise, making audiences inherently suspicious of him.
• The Mother is almost never lit clearly, emphasizing her humanity and monstrosity in equal measure.

Trivia

• Zach Cregger, formerly part of the comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know, made his solo directorial debut here.
• The film was shot in just 55 days.
• Campbell was cast only two weeks before shooting began.
• The house façade was entirely constructed, not a real Detroit home.

Why Watch?

Barbarian is more than just a horror movie—it’s a masterclass in subverting expectations. What feels like a predictable “stranger danger” story evolves into an unpredictable nightmare, keeping audiences constantly off balance. Its blend of social commentary, genuine terror, and shocking twists makes it one of the most memorable horror films of the decade.

Director’s Other Movies

Zach Cregger is better known for comedy and sketch work, but Barbarian is his first major solo film. Previously, he co-directed Miss March (2009), a raunchy comedy far removed from the tone of Barbarian.

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Descent (2005)
• It Follows (2014)
• The People Under the Stairs (1991)
• Hereditary (2018)
• X (2022)
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)