10 MORE Worst Betrayals In Horror Movie History
6. AJ To Tess - Barbarian
Barbarian begins with two strangers, Tess and Keith, accidentally double-booking into the same Airbnb. The next day, a deformed woman called The Mother, living underground, kills Keith and abducts Tess, hoping to care for her like a baby. When the house's owner, AJ, turns up to prep the place for sale, he too is captured by The Mother.
Even though The Mother looks like the clear-cut villain, AJ is a different kind of monster. Moments after he appears, he's accused of sexual assault, which leads to his reputation being irreparably tarnished. While AJ emphasises these claims are baseless, it's not clear whether he's telling the truth.
However, AJ's true colours emerge in the climax. Trapped on a water tower with Tess, AJ flings her to the ground below, assuming The Mother will jump after her to save her "baby".
When AJ realises Tess has survived, he starts making excuses for his behaviour, saying it was "you or me". In that moment, it's apparent AJ isn't a misunderstood victim but a dirtbag incapable of taking responsibility for his actions.
Fortunately, AJ gets his comeuppance seconds later when The Mother crushes his skull like a melon.