Framed within Tess escaping a turbulent relationship, from the very outset “Barbarian” has us on edge. Our protagonist continually encounters external threats that force her to use initiative and trust her own judgments on how to interpret and react to the dangers presented. She opens the door, and we’re introduced to Keith (Bill Skarsgård). He is a charming (albeit perhaps too earnest) an individual. We can palpably feel her frustration and exasperation. This swiftly leads into doubt and hesitation as she deliberates over whether to accept his invitation inside. And Campbell portrays this superbly. We can practically hear her inner monologue as she painstakingly debates on whether to trust this man. Despite her reservations, and with a little persuasion from Keith, she chooses to stay—whilst, let’s be honest, we’re all screaming at her to turn and run for the hills.
‘Barbarian’ Brings Us into the Picture with It
And this really is the film at its best. With each mounting threat, we’re right there with Tess, reading the room, assessing danger levels, and posing the same questions. Is Keith really who he claims to be? Is this really all a simple case of a double booking? Why won’t he shut up about making her a cup of tea. And was that bottle of wine really left there by someone else?
In fact, these initial scenes are some of the strongest. In my opinion, this is what is truly at the heart of the film. It brings to light the different ways in which men and women experience and react to different situations. It also illustrates the grim consequences for those who are unable to understand or atone for their actions. At one point, Tess even raises this with Keith. She reminds him how different the situation would be. What would be his reaction had he been the one knocking on the door in the middle of the night?
What makes “Barbarian” so unique is its strong female protagonist who—though doubtful and in some cases wrong (for example, the crazed man running at her in fact ends up being her saviour), she trusts her gut and fights for what she believes in. This is both as a protector for herself and those around her. When Tess discovers an underground tunnel, she can’t help but venture into its dark depths, drawing upon the items around her to light the way. And when Keith goes to explore the tunnels and she hears his desperate cries for help, she can’t help but go in after him (despite only having met the man the day before). (*Spoilers*) Safe to say poor Keith comes to a grizzly end. “Barbarian” leaves us wondering whether he really was a good guy, or the predator we’ve been wary of from day one.
A Film that Keeps Us Guessing
When Justin Long enters the fold as the charming but obnoxious AJ, he certainly offers some light relief following the previous grim events. We’re almost uncomfortably thrust into the dazzling sunny shores of California. However, at the centre of his story is a serious sexual assault allegation. And, whereas until now we’ve been witnessing events purely from a female perspective, this time the coin is flipped. Like Keith, we’re never entirely sure how to read his character. Though continually denying the allegations, later at a bar he confesses to a friend that he did in fact have sex with the woman involved, and reveals that she had initially said no.
AJ’s character here is in direct contrast to Tess’s. Whilst Tess is hyper-vigilant, cautious, and deliberate—playing the role of the female detective—AJ exemplifies what we initially thought of Keith. He is the sexual predator, blindly ignorant and unable to interpret his surroundings and see beyond his own selfish desires.
And this is where Director Zach Cragger’s comedic background comes to effect. He lightens the mood on what is overall a darkly twisted, grim sequence of events. Whereas Tess is horrified when she discovers the underground tunnels, AJ is entirely ignorant to the danger presented. He instead sees only its added monetary value. And we can’t help but savour the dramatic irony as he pulls out a tape measure to measure out his winnings, whilst we know full well what he has coming for him. (*Spoilers*) And whilst it is Tess’s curiosity and loyalty to Keith that gets her captured—for which she is rewarded as the sole survivor—it is AJ’s ignorance and complete disregard for those around him that leads to his eventual downfall, where he is literally blinded by a product of the crime he is initially charged with.
An Impressive Directing/Writing Project by Zach Cragger
In his debut solo directorial role, Cragger impressively manages to capture and touch upon some key, incredibly topical themes surrounding consent and gender roles, witnessed both through the lens of both a male and female lead in stark opposition. However together they expose and encounter the ways in which men and women react to extreme sexual and physical threats, and the dire consequences of said reactions. “Barbarian” will have you locked in your seat from beginning to end in an unpredictable, uncomfortable, darkly humorous ride, that you won’t forget. I, for one, am certainly excited by what Cragger next brings to our screens.
“Barbarian” is currently available to watch on HBO Max.
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