One of the most peculiar services, and its curious rise in popularity in recent years, is that of Airbnb. Not only do you go out of your way to stay at a complete stranger’s house, but you pay for the privilege.

There should be some documentary, possibly with Louis Theroux, looking into the dangers of such transactions, as he attempts to stay at Ron and Trixie’s place in Eastbourne for a long weekend.

Until then, this horror film will have to suffice.

Looking for major changes in her life is Tess (Georgina Campbell). One of the biggest is a new job, which is why she finds herself in Detroit. She arrives late at an Airbnb she’s booked, only to find she can’t access it.

But that’s OK, as it transpires there’s someone already in it – Keith (Bill Skarsgård). Apparently the small home has been double booked, and Tess can’t get in touch with anyone at the office to resolve it.

Keith also informs her that there’s a thing happening in town, and so all the hotels will be booked. Not disbelieving him, Tess still checks and has no luck. It’s late, raining outside, and she literally has nowhere else to go. So Keith has a crazy idea, why doesn’t she stay the night? It’s not something she would ordinarily give thought to, but as she literally has no other options, maybe she should consider it. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

Actor and director Zach Cregger’s second feature is a smoke and mirrors affair. It’s structured in such a way that it’s seemingly fresh and original, but when you strip it all back, it’s just a traditional killer on the loose horror flick akin to Michael Myers, Leatherface et al.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as there’s no harm in dressing up a tried and tested horror formula in another Halloween costume.

The film is divided into very defined sections, that all come together in the end. And although the joins aren’t the prettiest, it still works. It’s a thoroughly tense and gripping experience, for the most part at least; it’s only when the main story behind the killer at large is revealed in the final third, that it falls a little flat. It’s safe to say that the murderer at large won’t be joining the ranks of the elite film monsters any time soon.

It doesn’t stop it from being hugely enjoyable however, regardless of how silly it gets. On occasion it gets a little Jordan Peele –esque (who is, unsurprisingly, thanked in the end credits), as audiences are given the opportunity to judge characters on their behaviour, and decide furthermore if they’re deserving of being a victim or not. But these are all too brief moments, before returning to fairly well-trodden horror tropes and traits.

But compared to the likes of the recent dull and stale Halloween Ends, Barbarian feels original and compelling, despite its minor niggles along the way. Hopefully it will know its place, working well as one feature, and not make the ill-advised step of thinking they’re may be a franchise here. There isn’t.

And although Cregger hasn’t directed much, he does enough here that hints that he may well have more up his sleeve worth a look.

The biggest take away from it however should be that you should stay well clear of Ron and Trixie’s little place, and put up with the horrors of a Traveller’s Lodge instead, where only the state of their rooms and toilets will kill you.