Barracuda (2017): Cast & Ratings
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Directors
- Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Orion Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- disappeared
- arrest
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.
-
Co-director Jason Cortlund - Co-director Julia Halperin
- Sophie Reid as Sinaloa
-
Allison Tolman as Merle Klein -
JoBeth Williams as Patricia -
Tanner Beard as Trace
Also Starring in Barracuda
· 6 more- Larry Jack Dotson Spud
- Luis Bordonada Raúl
- Angelo Dylen Ray
- Monique Straw Andrea
- Dennis Alcorn
- Shayla Allen
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).
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.
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IMDb 5.6 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 92% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 64%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 78 Metascore
User score 6.6
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
2 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
Barracuda Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Barracuda.
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?
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Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Baja, Barron's Cove and Just Buried.
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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