Worst Airbnb Ever! Barbarian’s Bargain Basement of Bad Decisions - Xenomania 32

This week, Jon, Ryan, and Kearns step inside one of the darkest rentals in horror history as they unpack Barbarian (2022), the sleeper hit that turns Airbnb anxiety into outright terror.

What makes Barbarian stand out amid modern horror? Is it the cleverly twisted narrative, the chilling exploration of hidden spaces, or its deeper commentary on trust, predation, and trauma? The Xenomania team tackles all angles, dissecting Zach Cregger’s masterful bait-and-switch storytelling, the film's shocking tonal shifts, and its fearless dive into subterranean horror.

Ryan draws unsettling parallels between urban legends and the film’s grotesque revelations, Jon explores the disturbing brilliance of the narrative structure, and Kearns digs into Barbarian’s underlying mythology—touching on everything from folklore’s monstrous mothers to the shadowy history of Detroit itself.

Check the locks, double-check your reservations, and join the team as they journey down into the darkness beneath the ordinary. Just remember: some doors should stay locked.