The verdict is officially out - Barbarian is the best horror movie I have seen in all of 2022. While I have made similar statements and cannot believe I found something even more breathtaking than what I experienced when seeing A24’s X for the first time earlier this year, Zach Cregger’s absolutely must-see film is the best production I have witnessed in the genre this entire year and quite possibly in years.

Initially, the plan was to give you the Date Night-approved rundown in a series of paragraphs and run-on sentences and while that might still be the case, what better way to deliver some easy-on-the-eyes thoughts than in bite-sized manner? So let’s go with 9 reasons Barbarian is your must-see Date Night movie of the year - if not decade.

1. Zach Cregger’s feature-film directorial debut is championship level

Just keeping it 100 - Zach Cregger is a genius. Truly. Having taken the time to really dig into how this movie came about, you come to learn the little things like how much brainpower and financial backing it took to turn Barbarian from a great idea to a full-fledged Hollywood production. But more than that, there were all types of rollercoaster issues from a financier tragically dying right before heading out to Bulgaria to handle some filming to nearly scrapping the film altogether before New Regency and 20th Century Studios became involved.

What’s even more interesting and a top reason why I have to give ZC the ultimate co-sign is because of his genius writing - notably an ability to perfectly mesh comedy and horror quite masterfully. Dabs of Quentin Tarantino. Plenty of A24-type uniqueness. The Alfred Hitchcock storytelling. Zach Cregger’s feature-film directorial debut is pure impressive and quite frankly mind-blowing.

2. The cast is A-list from start to finish

Let me be clear in saying this - the cast is stunning. Simply. Stunning. Whether we’re talking about the jaw-dropping Georgina Campbell or super handsome Bill Skarsgard or even veteran funnyman Justin Long - the movie has some superb stars from the opening sequence to the end.

But it’s more than just a few flashy names. All three of them have direct connections to the horror genre. Georgina’s acting in 'Black Mirror’ and Bill’s presence as Pennywise in the recent It films make them perfect fits for this movie. And while we’re used to Justin being the funny guy in everything he does, don’t forget he killed it in Jeepers Creepers all the way back in the early 2000’s.

3. It’s truly Alfred Hitchcock meets Quentin Tarantino meets A24

Don’t kill me 20th Century Studios but my goodness does this film have A24 vibes written all over it. Truth be told, the production company really missed out on a great film if there was ever a chance for it to land there. Bodies Bodies Bodies was solid but low-key missed the mark and Everything Everything All At Once was genius but not a real horror movie flick. Hence, the closest thing to Barbarian being A24’s classic X movie which has its highly-anticipated Pearl movie slated to come out in the coming days too.

From the scenery to the dialogue between characters and some gory moments you hate to love - but can’t look away at and simply freaking go crazy over - it’s pure mind-blowing vibes all connected. There’s some truly amazing camera scenes and long shots which are so beautifully presented you can’t help but geek out. True horror film movie heads will appreciate it.

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4. Justin Long

God damn did Justin Long do the damn thing. I really want to give Georgina Campbell her own salute - which of course I will - but the way you’re introduced to the veteran funnyman and his much-needed spark of comedy in a movie packed with scary moments, it’s absolutely perfect.

5. Georgina Campbell

Shucks, why not give her the spotlight? She absolutely stole the show - er - movie with her presence. No spoilers here but from the way you’re introduced to her all the way to hold things shape for her character, goodness - it’s possibly some of the most range in an actress - or actor - I’ve witnessed in the horror movie genre in years. Miss Campbell makes you fall in love with her character for more reasons other than her stunning beauty.

6. Movie theater experience

By this point, you’re probably already convinced this is your go-to for the Date Night goals but rest assured, this is the type of movie you need to see in the theaters. The pandemic made people realize how much theaters are necessary. Sure, it was fun seeing movies release on both HBOMax and at your local theaters throughout 2021 but it didn’t take long before people realized Netflix & Chill was getting crammed with popular movies not being paid enough attention to. This is the type of movie you must watch in a theater setting.

Having the opportunity to see Barbarian in a New York City screening - heck, let’s go ahead and give a massive shout-out to the legendary AMC Lincoln Square theater and staff - the amount of screams, laughs and nervous shaking in the theater made this such a fun journey.

7. Detroit stand up

While you don’t need Detroit to be reason enough for this to be a Date Nigh movie, it’s a major plus to have a setting outside of New York, Los Angeles and The South for being the center of this flick. Motown has some major culture exposed here and whether it’s the auto industry or bad areas of the city, you feel an appreciation for what’s being presented - even more when you realize a portion of the film was heavily created in Bulgaria - which is insane by itself.

8. The runtime is simply perfect

It’s one of the toughest things to go right. Runtime. Do you go with the easy in, easy out with 90 minutes or do you go all-out with more than 120 minutes of content? How about agreeing for somewhere in the middle like an hour and 43 minutes? The movie runs just long enough to have you comfortable in your seat while seeing so many wild flashes of horror wildness to make you unable to sit tight.

9. No dull moments

Don’t be mad - but this is not the type of Date Night-approved movie you can sneak in some kissing and intimacy - you’ll have to look forward to it after the film. From the opening sequence, you’re hooked into the movie and can’t take your eyes away. Barbarian keeps you guessing and the plots do not slow down - at all.

It’s rare a movie leaves you completely satisfied and the Barbarian is perfection in the horror movie genre. It never gets boring. You don’t find yourself thinking about scenes which could have been cut out. You’re glued to the screen and happily recovering from your mind being blown over and over again throughout the flick.

Must-see for your next Date Night outing.