The Blackening (2023)

Director Tim Story‘s “The Blackening” isn’t your typical genre film; it’s a horror spoof with an edge. The perceptive and clever story from co-writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins is packed with timely social commentary about stereotypes and “blackness,” which gives this sophisticated satire a fresh and unexpected twist. It’s uncomfortable, it’s whip-smart, and it’s a whole lot of fun. A group of friends (Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Grace Byers, X Mayo, Jermaine Fowler, Yvonne Orji, Jay Pharoah, Melvin Gregg, Sinqua Walls) plan a reunion at a remote cabin in the woods over the Juneteenth holiday weekend, but there’s a danger lurking nearby. They discover that they are being stalked by a masked killer who plans to murder all of them, starting with the person they deem the “blackest.” The killer works through a very racist looking board game that supposedly tests their “blackness” by asking a series of racially-specific questions. This tests the limits of the group’s friendships as they fight to survive the night. It’s a funny and clever premise for a movie, and the mostly all-black cast really pulls it off. Perfectly cast, the actors are appealing and have terrific comedic timing. The character development is substantial, which makes this one of the more thoughtful horror films in years. The overall vibe is a bit of “Scary Movie” mixed with “Get Out,” but merged together in an original way. It’s really not very scary and isn’t as funny as it probably could’ve been, but the minor stumbles (and predictability) is outweighed by the insightful script. While Story doesn’t quite nail the two genres, there’s still a lot to like. “The Blackening” is a movie that pushes boundaries, challenges audiences, and will inspire many deep discussions. Even better is that it’s also an enjoyable ride.