Watch Barbarians

Barbarians is a Netflix original historical drama series set in the Germanic forests of the 9th century AD, during the early Middle Ages. The show is in German, with English subtitles. The plot revolves around multiple tribes that inhabit the vast and dangerous wilderness of Germania, an area located outside of the Roman Empire's boundaries. Specifically, the story focuses on three young warriors - Thusnelda, Arminius (aka Hermann), and Folkwin - who struggle to maintain their freedom and way of life as their people face Roman invasion.

Thusnelda, played by Jeanne Goursaud, is the daughter of the tribe leader of the Cherusci. After the death of her father, Thusnelda is determined to follow in his footsteps and lead her people to victory against the Roman Empire. She is a skilled and fierce warrior who is not afraid to fight for what she believes in.

Arminius, portrayed by Laurence Rupp, is a Roman-trained warrior who was raised as a Germanic prince. He deeply struggles with his loyalty to both the Roman Empire and his homeland. Arminius is a complex and conflicted character who faces constant internal battles, torn between his allegiance to Rome and his love for his people.

Folkwin, played by David Schutter, is a brave and charismatic warrior from the neighboring tribe of the Tencteri. He falls in love with Thusnelda and joins forces with her and Arminius to fight against the Roman invaders.

Throughout the show, the characters' relationships develop and their loyalty to each other and their tribes is put to the test. There are many intense battle scenes and grotesque deaths, as the show depicts the harsh and brutal reality of war in the early Middle Ages. It also explores themes of politics, survival, love, betrayal, and sacrifice.

The production design of Barbarians is impeccable, with detailed and authentically crafted costumes and weapons that transport viewers back in time. The show's cinematography is stunning, with sweeping landscape shots and close-up action sequences that immerse the audience in the story.

The acting performances in Barbarians are exceptional, with the main cast delivering convincing and powerful performances that bring the characters to life. The dialogue is well-written, although some viewers may find the German language difficult to follow without the aid of subtitles.

Overall, Barbarians is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and anyone interested in the early Middle Ages. The show provides a fresh perspective on a lesser-known period of European history and introduces viewers to a fascinating array of characters and cultures. The well-crafted storytelling, stunning visuals, and compelling performances make Barbarians a standout show on Netflix.

Barbarians is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on October 23, 2020.