Review published 11th July 2026
Watch the official trailer.
The Premise
Set in Dublin, Ireland during the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story follows Val Barber (Aidan Gillen), a private investigator whose work typically revolves around suspicious insurance claims and fraud investigations. While Barber is highly capable in his profession, his personal life is far less stable. He is separated from his wife, Monica (Helen Behan), though the pair continue to work together to care for their twenty-year-old daughter, Kate (Aisling Kearns). Following a devastating car accident, Kate now uses a wheelchair and faces significant cognitive challenges, affecting her memory, processing, and everyday life. Despite the emotional weight of his fractured family life, Barber continues to push forward, determined to balance his responsibilities both at work and at home.
One day, Barber is visited by a new client, an elderly woman named Lilly Dunne (Deirdre Donnelly), who has been referred to him by her solicitor. Desperate for answers, Lilly wants Barber to investigate the disappearance of her twenty-year-old granddaughter, Sara Dunne, who has been missing for more than four days without a trace. Although missing persons cases aren’t typically the type of work Barber takes on, something about Lilly’s plea captures his attention, and he reluctantly agrees to investigate. What begins as a straightforward missing persons case, however, soon unravels into something far more sinister and far beyond anything Barber could have anticipated.
A Slow-Burning Mystery
Barber is best described as a thriller built around a compelling mystery that is introduced early in the first act. However, thanks to the emotional weight of Barber’s personal struggles and the challenges faced by those around him, the film also leans heavily into drama. Co-written and directed by Fintan Connolly, whose previous credits include Flick (2000), Trouble with Sex (2006), and Elliot & Me (2011), Barber marked my first experience with his work. What initially drew me to the film was its promise of a gripping thriller, and after all, who doesn’t enjoy a good mystery?
Aidan Gillen Carries The Film
Aidan Gillen delivers a strong performance as Barber, making the character both engaging and believable. Barber is confident, intelligent, and resourceful, yet he also approaches every decision with caution, carefully weighing each step before moving forward. Gillen brings a quiet confidence to the role that makes it easy to believe he has spent years investigating complicated cases. Even when the mystery occasionally loses momentum, his screen presence helps maintain audience investment. While he is tasked with solving a complex mystery that seems increasingly difficult to unravel, he is also burdened by numerous personal struggles that only add to the pressure of an already hectic life. Although the film is set during the COVID-19 pandemic, the setting serves more as atmosphere than a major narrative component. Aside from occasional mask-wearing and reminders of a changing world, the investigation itself would remain largely unchanged if the story were set in a different period.
Strong Ideas, Uneven Execution
While the film benefits from a compelling lead performance and an intriguing central mystery, the journey itself feels fairly average. The pacing is slow, and at times the narrative becomes weighed down by its various themes and social commentary. In addition to being set during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film touches on issues such as the MeToo movement and corruption. While these topics are relevant, they occasionally distract from the core mystery rather than strengthening it, and they never feel fully integrated into the narrative. Unfortunately, the film’s central reveal feels rushed and ultimately less impactful than I had hoped. After spending so much time building intrigue, the payoff lacks the significance needed to make the mystery truly satisfying. Although Barber is a likeable and well-written character, some of his decisions feel underdeveloped, particularly his motivation for accepting the case in the first place. Given that he usually prefers straightforward insurance and fraud investigations, his willingness to take on such a demanding missing person’s case isn’t explored as clearly as it could have been.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are several aspects of Barber that I found quite enjoyable. Aidan Gillen once again brings a character to life with a strong sense of confidence and likeability, while the central mystery provides a solid hook that kept me invested and curious throughout. The Dublin, Ireland setting is also a welcome addition, giving the film a distinct atmosphere and identity. The city itself never becomes a meaningful part of the mystery, but it serves as an appealing backdrop that helps the film stand apart from many similar thrillers. Sadly, as a complete story, Barber delivers an average journey that occasionally feels weighed down by its various themes and messaging, including COVID-19, the MeToo movement, and corruption. Adding to the disappointment is the film’s final reveal, which feels rushed and less impactful than the build-up suggests. The resolution comes together too quickly and doesn’t quite deliver the emotional or narrative payoff the film initially promises. Ultimately, Barber is a perfectly serviceable thriller with a strong lead performance and an interesting premise, but it never reaches the heights needed to leave a lasting impression or create a desire to return to this character again.
Barber (2023) will be Available on DVD & Digital from July 15th in Australia & New Zealand thanks to Defiant Screen Entertainment!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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