Brief Summary
Jeremy Jahns reviews the horror movie "Barbarian," praising its mysterious and vague premise, strong tension, and disturbing imagery. He highlights the performances of Georgina Campbell, Alexander Skarsgard, and Justin Long. While noting the first act as the strongest, he appreciates the film's ability to remain enjoyable even with some cheesy elements in the later acts. Overall, he recommends "Barbarian" as a surprisingly enjoyable modern horror movie with a blend of classic horror elements.
- The movie's premise is intentionally vague, enhancing the viewing experience.
- The first act is particularly strong in building tension.
- Performances by the cast, especially Georgina Campbell and Justin Long, are noteworthy.
- The film blends modern and classic horror elements effectively.
Introduction
Jeremy Jahns introduces his review of the movie "Barbarian," asserting that it is the best Resident Evil movie they've ever gotten, albeit in an unconventional way. He acknowledges that this opinion might be a leap but expresses confidence in his assessment.
Premise and Initial Thoughts
The movie is written and directed by Zach Cregger. The premise of "Barbarian" is kept vague to maintain the mystery. Georgina Campbell's character arrives at an Airbnb, only to find Alexander Skarsgard's character already there. The house turns out to be a place of horrors. Jahns expresses his appreciation for going into the movie knowing nothing about it, which contributed to a fulfilling horror movie experience.
Tension and Performances
The first act of the movie features some of the best horror and thriller tension Jahns has seen in years. The uncertainty and endless possibilities contribute to the fun of the movie. Georgina Campbell delivers a great performance, and her chemistry with Alexander Skarsgard is engaging. Justin Long plays his character effectively, embodying a person with zero regard for others, which adds a darkly funny element to the movie.
Social Commentary and Disturbing Imagery
The movie incorporates horror with social commentary, often revolving around Justin Long's character. It also features disturbing imagery, distinct from violence, which Jahns appreciates. While the movie does have violence, it is used sparingly but is undeniably bloody when it occurs.
Later Acts and Overall Enjoyment
While the first act is strong, the second and third acts are not as impactful. Some elements in the third act come across as cheesy. Despite this, Jahns still enjoys the movie overall. He respects that the cheesy elements do not compromise the experience.
Conclusion
Jahns concludes that "Barbarian" is a surprisingly enjoyable horror movie experience. He notes that the premise and execution feel like they would be at home in 70s or 80s horror, but it is undeniably a modern take. The movie has a runtime of about an hour and 40 minutes, and Jahns had a great time watching it. He recommends it as a good, enjoyable horror movie.
