Bill Skarsgård has established himself as one of the leading actors in the horror genre, having played iconic villains like Pennywise in the Stephen King adaptation It. His latest role sees him starring in the 2022 horror film Barbarian, where he plays Keith, a complex and dark character. The film’s opening night sets the tone for the rest of the movie, expertly manipulating the audience’s expectations through Skarsgård’s portrayal of Keith.
The film begins with Tess, played by Georgina Campbell, arriving at her Airbnb destination, only to find that the key isn’t in the lockbox. After a bout of misunderstanding, she agrees to share the house with Keith, who appears to be a gentleman and is willing to help her out. As they get to know each other, Skarsgård masterfully walks the fine line between innocence and unsettling, making the audience instinctively wary of Keith’s intentions.
The night’s atmosphere is heavy with tension, as the background music is pared back, leaving only the heavy rain outside to fill in the silences. The conversation between Tess and Keith is polite but fraught with wariness, as they try to build a connection despite their uncertain circumstances. The visual style of the film also adds to the sense of unease, with shots that seem to pit the characters against each other and a title scene that implies Keith is the antagonist.
Bill Skarsgård (Image via Getty)
As the night wears on, Tess begins to fall for Keith, but the audience is left feeling uneasy, sensing that something is off. The film’s use of Skarsgård’s villainous reputation expertly manipulates the audience’s expectations, making it seem like Keith is the one who will ultimately threaten Tess. However, the film’s twist subverts these expectations, leaving the audience shocked and delighted by the brutal turn of events.
Barbarian’s opening night is a masterclass in building tension and manipulating the audience’s expectations. Skarsgård’s performance is central to this, as he uses his reputation to deceive the audience and create an unsettling atmosphere. The film’s unpredictable and merciless tone is expertly set up, leaving the audience eager for more.
