Barbarian stands out as one of the best horror films of 2022, with a unique and unforgettable ending that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll. The film begins when Tess Marshall (Georgina Campbell) arrives at her rental house only to find Keith Toshko (Bill Skarsgård) already there.
While it’s unsettling to find a stranger in this situation, the tension escalates quickly as the two uncover the house’s terrifying secrets. When they eventually meet the horrifying villain, both characters and the audience are left in shock.
Horror reaches its peak as the truth about the house is revealed (Photo: Barbarian/Blumhouse Productions)Written and directed by Zack Cregger, Barbarian made an important impact, grossing over $45 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. Its originality won the hearts of many horror enthusiasts in 2022. What is it about Barbarian’s ending that makes it stand out, and what factors contributed to the film’s success?
What Happens At The End Of Barbarian?
The end of Barbarian is set up halfway through the film, when The Mother, a monstrous figure, emerges from the basement of the rental house and kills Keith. Tess, terrified by the escalating events, proves herself to be a resourceful final girl, managing to devise a survival plan.
By the end of the film, Tess comes to the painful realization that the only person she can depend on for escape is herself, as the police dismiss her claims about the horrifying incidents. After managing to retrieve her car keys from the rental house, Tess seems to kill The Mother by running her over.
She then saves AJ Gilbride (Justin Long), and together, with the help of Andre (Jaymes Butler), they attempt to escape from the terrifying monster. Barbarian strikes a balance between intense fear and moments of campy humor.
However, the final scenes are particularly unsettling and leave a lasting impact on the audience. In one of the most gripping moments, The Mother nearly kills both AJ and Tess. They find refuge in a water tower after Andre’s gruesome death.
While Tess shows compassion and hesitation in harming others, AJ’s survival instinct drives him to take ruthless actions. He pushes Tess off the water tower, where The Mother swiftly kills him. From the beginning of Barbarian, there are only two potential outcomes: either The Mother kills Tess, or Tess kills The Mother.
Fortunately, Tess manages to grab a gun that Frank (Richard Brake) had been using earlier, shoots The Mother, and escapes. The final scene leaves a haunting impression, matching the film’s chilling tone.
Among the standout horror performances of 2022, Georgina Campbell’s portrayal of Tess is one of the most memorable. She captures Tess’s fear, vulnerability, and determination, particularly in moments where AJ offers assistance.
The film emphasizes that, in matters of survival, Tess cannot rely on anyone else. The theme of self-preservation is explored deeply in the conclusion of Barbarian.
Who Is The Mother In Barbarian?
The Mother (Matthew Patrick Davis) is the terrifying antagonist in Barbarian. Her grotesque appearance, which includes a naked body, stringy hair, and a filthy, disturbing look, is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.
Tess faces unimaginable terror in a fight for survival (Photo: Barbarian/Blumhouse Productions)Barbarian has two primary villains: The Mother and Frank, who have committed unspeakable crimes against women. The Mother’s origins, born from incest, add another layer of horror to her already chilling character.
What makes Barbarian one of the best horror films of 2022 is its ability to shock while also addressing sensitive issues like abuse and assault. The film presents a fresh horror story with an important twist halfway through. Shifting perspectives from Tess to AJ as he drives in his car is a clever move.
This unexpected transition was executed to keep viewers on edge, never knowing what would happen next. Matthew Patrick Davis, who plays The Mother, shared in an interview with Variety that he used extensive prosthetics to create the character’s horrifying look.
He explained that the filmmakers had planned the shooting schedule carefully, ensuring that the prosthetics looked most convincing during the early parts of the day. They prioritized filming close-ups early on, as the prosthetics began to lose their realism after a while.
The Mother has the potential to become an iconic villain in the slasher genre. Her shocking and disturbing appearance, combined with her tragic backstory, makes her unforgettable. In Barbarian’s final moments, Tess taps into her inner strength to survive.
When The Mother approaches her, the villain almost seems to offer comfort, adding an eerie twist to the film’s conclusion. This final act confirms Barbarian as one of the smartest and most daring horror releases of 2022, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating Zack Cregger’s next project.
