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Drama thriller

Barracuda (2017): Cast & Ratings

Barracuda (2017) movie poster

Barracuda is a 2017 drama thriller directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin, starring Sophie Reid as Sinaloa, Allison Tolman and JoBeth Williams. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.

IMDb rating
5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
Echo Score
85
Metascore
78
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Barracuda (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Music
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Barracuda About?

The premise of Barracuda without spoilers.

A charismatic British singer, Sinaloa, seeks out her long-lost half-sister, Merle, in Texas. Their shared musical heritage and the unexpected discovery of a familial connection create a passionate and complex relationship. As Sinaloa’s voice stirs something within Merle, their lives become increasingly intertwined in a turbulent exploration of identity, music, and the potential for both connection and devastation.

Barracuda Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • graveside ceremony
  • brighton england
  • austin texas
  • half sister
  • singer songwriter
  • female corpse
  • busking
  • engagement party
  • mother daughter relationship
  • dog stabbed
  • no identification
  • strangled woman
+2 more
  • disappeared
  • arrest
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Cast & crew

Barracuda Cast & Characters

Sophie Reid leads the cast as Sinaloa, with Allison Tolman as Merle Klein and JoBeth Williams as Patricia. Directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Barracuda Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Barracuda 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (78).

85 /100

Barracuda Echo Score Breakdown

Barracuda offers a quietly confident thriller anchored by striking visuals and compelling performances. Across its measured pacing, the film builds psychological tension through understated design choices and deliberate narrative turns. Its central two-hander is bolstered by nuanced portrayals that drive emotional engagement while the story avoids predictable shortcuts. Though its slow-burn approach occasionally results in a pay-off that feels muted for some viewers, the film’s cohesive atmosphere and craftsmanship leave a lasting impression. Barracuda ultimately delivers a thoughtfully crafted experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, Barracuda excels with meticulously composed visuals and subtle direction. Critics noted the film’s carefully framed shots and cohesive production design that cultivate a pervasive sense of place. The deliberate pacing of camera movements and restrained editing enhance the underlying tension. Overall, the film’s visual composition remains consistently engaging.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When it comes to character and emotion, Barracuda benefits from nuanced performances that anchor its psychological depth. The lead actors convey subtle shifts in tension and vulnerability, compensating for occasional thinness in the supporting roles. Emotional resonance emerges through carefully restrained interactions. Ultimately, the film’s character work sustains its moody undercurrents effectively.

  • Story & Flow 78

    In terms of story and flow, Barracuda delivers a measured narrative that gradually builds intrigue. The pacing favors slow-burn development over rapid plot turns, and the script avoids conventional shortcuts. While the approach yields an absorbing atmosphere, some viewers may find the resolution less satisfying. Overall, the film’s narrative remains thoughtfully structured.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    When it comes to sensory experience, Barracuda employs an understated sound design and evocative score to reinforce its tense atmosphere. The soundtrack weaves seamlessly with ambient effects, while the visual style uses muted tones to underscore the story’s moody texture. Together, these elements deliver a cohesive and immersive audiovisual experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch value, Barracuda’s layered atmosphere and subtle performances reward repeat viewings. The film’s deliberate pacing and hidden narrative details encourage closer attention, and the underlying thematic resonance emerges more clearly on subsequent watches. Overall, its restrained complexity and mood-driven storytelling contribute to enduring appeal.

Videos

Barracuda Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Barracuda.

Official Trailer
Details

Barracuda Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “La Barracuda” and “Barrakuda”.

Also known as
  • La Barracuda
  • Barrakuda
  • 陌聲姊妹
  • Барракуда
  • 拉布库拉达姐妹
  • Meia-irmã
  • 바라쿠다

Seen Barracuda?

FAQ

Barracuda FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Barracuda, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Barracuda?

Barracuda runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Barracuda released?

Barracuda was released on October 6, 2017.

Who directed Barracuda?

Barracuda was directed by Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin.

More films by Jason Cortlund

Who is in the cast of Barracuda?

Barracuda stars Sophie Reid as Sinaloa, Allison Tolman as Merle Klein and JoBeth Williams as Patricia, among 10 credited actors.

How is Barracuda rated?

Barracuda has 5.6/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Does Barracuda have a post-credit scene?

No. Barracuda has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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