Where Was Barbarian Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Scariest Film Of 2022!!

There are only a handful of things in this world that will excite you the same way, as a perfect horror flick would. Now, if you’re intrigued to experience that same feeling of excitement and thrill, then continue to read this article, where I tell you all about the latest horror thriller flick, Barbarian. And also share with you where was Barbarian filmed.

The makers of the American horror mystery film, Barbarian, have already claimed it to be the scariest film of this year. Zach Cregger, debuting as a director in this film, showcases the story of Tess, a strong and free-spirited traveler. Who is shown to experience a living nightmare, when she unknowingly ends up booking a creepy house through Airbnb.

Commercially, Barbarian exceeded the expectations of the makers, collecting over $44 million in total box office collection, with a nominal filming budget. This gripping film has already earned a nomination at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards in 2022. While also receiving high praise from the critics and audiences for the stellar performance of the actors.

So, let’s now explore where was Barbarian filmed. And find out more about the specific filming locations. Plus, later in this article, I will also give you an overview of this bone-chilling film.

Where Was Barbarian Filmed? Let’s Know This Horror Flick Closely!

Zach Cregger, while writing the screenplay of Barbarian, was absolutely sure about where he wanted to shoot the film. But after the untimely demise of Eric Tavitian, the main financier of the film, shooting entirely in France was no longer on the cards for Zach. 

Thus after conferring with other creative heads of the unit, Cregger decided to shoot in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, and the remaining parts in America. The principal photography commenced towards the end of January 2021 and was completed in more or less two months. So, without any further ado, let’s have a detailed discussion about where was Barbarian filmed to take a closer look at the exact shooting sites.

Sofia | Bulgaria

The production unit instantaneously began filming after arriving at the capital of Bulgaria. The opening sequence of the film featured the Vitosha Mountains, while some other establishing shots were captured near St. George Rotunda Church. A shabby-looking house located on the outskirts of Sofia was used to portray the creepy Airbnb property shown in the film. 

The production unit had to turn around the lawn and the porch of the house, to make it appear dingier. After which filming crew captured the exterior shots of the house to depict the creepy house located in Brightmoor. The interior sequences of the house were filmed in the same location, although due to a mishap during filming the production decided to shoot the sequences depicting the basement and the tunnel in America.

Detroit, California | USA

After the completion of filming in Bulgaria, the production unit returned back to America. The sequence in which the savage woman attacks Keith and A.J. in the basement was filmed inside a studio in Detroit. The crew then traveled to the area of Brightmoor to capture the scenes of the surroundings and the neighborhood.

Finally, the last sequence was filmed in Malibu, California, which portrayed A.J. driving through the Pacific Coast Highway with his girlfriend. After this the unit wrapped the entire filming process and began working on post-production.

Now, let’s briefly discuss the plot of the film, so that you can co-relate the scenes to the actual story. Meanwhile, you can also look into Marriage Story, The Silence of the Lambs and Goodnight Mommy which I think would amaze you equally.

Plot Of Barbarian | What’s It About

At the beginning of the film, we see the character of Tess Marshall, traveling to the city of Detroit, in order to appear for a work interview. But, after reaching the beat-up area of Brightmoor, the female lead discovers that the Airbnb house that she booked is already occupied.

Shortly after, making formal acquaintance with the co-resident, Tess decides to spend the night in that house. Thankfully nothing happens that night, as Tess and Keith, both leave for their respective work. However, while returning back Tess gets attacked by a vagrant, who warns her to leave the place.

Midway through the film, Tess begins to unfold the mystery of the house, when she finds blood-stained articles and a video cam in the basement and calls Keith for help. Upon further prying, in the basement, the duo end up reaching the mouth of a tunnel, when suddenly a savage woman attacks them and kills Keith. Tess narrowly escapes from the basement but remains too scared to call the cops.

In the final quarter of the film, A.J. Gilbirdie, the owner of the property arrives and deeply examines the basement after Tess informs him about the situation. A.J. soon discovers video footage, which recorded the abuses of the original owner Frank. 

The deformed savage woman that attacked Keith, was held captive and abused by Frank for years. Tess and A.J. eventually escape from the house, and cover a little distance, when they are ambushed by the savage. The credits roll, as Tess gets hold of A.J’s gun, and shoots the woman from point-blank range.

Final Words

I hope that you enjoyed the read, after knowing where was Barbarian filmed. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. And be sure to check out other amazing articles on Viebly.