Get ready for a wild ride with The Blackening! This movie is a perfect blend of comedy and thrills that will have you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Tim Story and written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, this film takes on the horror genre’s tropes, specifically those around a mostly Black cast. It pays homage to iconic horror franchises like Scream, Friday the 13th, and Saw, with a bit of Cabin In The Woods sprinkled in for some extra razzle dazzle. But don’t be fooled, amidst the chaotic hijinks, the narrative centers Black American culture and all of its complexities.
The film stars an incredible cast, including Perkins, Jermaine Fowler, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Grace Byers, X Mayo, Melvin Gregg, with Yvonne Orji, and Jay Pharoah. The story starts at a cabin in the woods, like most horror movies these days, where Morgan (Orji) and Shawn (Pharoah), a couple who are part of a group of college friends reuniting after 10 years, stumble upon a deadly game called The Blackening. The group must rely on their wit to stay alive, and their life-or-death predicament triggers introspection about their beliefs on race and identity.
Culture and friendships form the crux of the narrative, presenting an ensemble of homies ready to risk all for one another. The premise of camaraderie is particularly relevant in these divisive times, which shows what togetherness does and does not look like. The film cleverly weaves humor with introspective points on Blackness in the American context. Black culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and the characters examine that externally and internally. The revelations that come from this examination are applied to the group toolbox of survival skills to use against the killer.
What really sets The Blackening apart is its humor that doesn’t compromise its poignant message for cheap laughs. The comedic bits disarm the audiences, making them more susceptible to the film’s deeper themes. The story also makes a point to showcase that heroes can be someone other than a cis-straight man. Black women, fat Black women, and Queer individuals who are frequently sidelined in mainstream media are empowered here as they exhibit strength, intelligence, and resourcefulness to become the ultimate saviors.
In conclusion, The Blackening is hands-down one of the best comedies of the year. The combined and balanced elements of comedy, horror, and insightful social commentary will have folks talking about the film long after it’s over. Don’t miss out on this incredible movie experience!
