"Barbarian" Ranks Among Netflix's Top-Watched Films
During the week of April 29 through May 5, 2022, the horror film "Barbarian" entered Netflix's top ten most-watched movies list, securing the tenth spot. The film was watched by 4.6 million viewers, accumulating 7.9 million viewing hours across 57 countries.
"Barbarian" stars Georgina Campbell as Tess, a woman who rents a house in Detroit for a job interview, only to find it already occupied by Keith, played by Bill Skarsgård. Justin Long co-stars as the property's owner, AJ, while Kate Bosworth makes a voice cameo. The movie involves a night of terrifying events when Tess and Keith encounter a monstrous entity known as The Mother.
Directed by Zach Cregger, "Barbarian" premiered at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022 and was released theatrically two months later, generating $10 million on its opening weekend. Most of the film was shot in Bulgaria, with exterior scenes filmed in Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood.
Critically acclaimed, "Barbarian" holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Digital Spy praised its unpredictable plot, while Rolling Stone commended Cregger's mastery of horror elements. Conversely, critics like Todd Jorgenson from Cinemalogue and Benjamin Lee of The Guardian found fault with the storyline and character development.
Audience reactions were mixed, with a 71% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Some viewers criticized the film's narrative and scare tactics, while others appreciated its craftsmanship and thematic depth. Despite varying opinions, "Barbarian" remains a significant entry in contemporary horror cinema.