Barbarian begins with Tess, a young woman who travels to Detroit for a job interview. When she arrives at the rental house she booked through an app, Tess discovers that someone else, Keith, is already staying there. Initially feeling anxious and uneasy, Tess decides to stay the night due to the heavy rain and lack of alternative options.
As night falls, the tension in the air begins to build. Tess starts to sense that something is off about the house, especially as she explores the dark rooms and the secrets hidden within the walls. Strange events and eerie noises further heighten her sense of dread.
As Tess delves deeper into the house, she uncovers a hidden basement that contains horrifying truths and dark secrets that Keith has concealed. The story becomes increasingly complex when Tess realizes that Keith is not the only danger in the house. Another character emerges, adding to the suspense and tension, while revealing the house’s past and the fears it harbors.