Name: The Blackening
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Released: 2023-06-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins

The masked killer slams a board onto the table, demanding the seven trapped friends rank their “degrees of blackness.” It’s a scene that encapsulates The Blackening‘s* bold, satirical bite—equal parts horror and comedy, a whip-smart skewering of racial tropes in cinema. Directed by Tim Story from a script by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, this 2023 horror-comedy takes aim at the clichés that have plagued Black representation in slasher films for decades.

The premise is simple: seven Black friends reunite for a Juneteenth party at a remote cabin, only to find themselves hunted by a masked killer with a grudge. What unfolds is a clever blend of Get Out‘s social commentary and Scary Movie‘s parodic energy. The film thrives on its ensemble cast—Grace Byers, Antoinette Robertson, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, Dewayne Perkins, X Mayo, Sinqua Walls, and Jay Pharoah—each delivering sharp, comedic performances that ground the horror in authenticity. The dynamic between them feels lived-in, their banter crackling with humor even as the stakes escalate.

Story’s direction keeps the tone balanced, never letting the laughs undercut the tension or vice versa. The film’s most effective moments come when it leans into its satire, like a scene where the group debates which horror movie tropes they’ve fallen into, or the killer’s absurd demand for a ranking of their “blackness.” These sequences highlight the film’s intelligence and wit, making it more than just a parody—it’s a commentary on representation and the expectations placed on Black characters in horror. The script, co-written by Perkins (who also stars as Dewayne), is packed with references to classic slasher films like Saw and Friday the 13th, but it never feels derivative. Instead, it uses these tropes as a springboard for deeper exploration of racial identity and media representation.

The ensemble cast is one of the film’s strongest assets. Byers, known for her role in Empire, brings a grounded intensity to Allison, the group’s de facto leader. Robertson shines as Lisa, delivering some of the film’s funniest lines with deadpan precision. Fowler and Gregg have excellent chemistry as Clifton and King, their comedic timing impeccable even in high-stakes scenarios. Perkins, as Dewayne, is a standout, effortlessly balancing humor and pathos. The supporting cast, including Mayo, Walls, and Pharoah, each bring unique energy to the table, ensuring that the group dynamics feel authentic and engaging.

The film’s satire extends beyond just racial tropes; it also takes aim at the genre’s tendency to prioritize shock value over substance. The killer’s demands—like the infamous “rank your blackness” scene—are absurd on their face, but they serve a purpose. They force the characters (and the audience) to confront uncomfortable questions about identity and representation. This self-awareness is what sets The Blackening apart from other horror comedies. It’s not just making fun of the genre; it’s using that humor to spark meaningful conversation.

Yet The Blackening isn’t without its flaws. While the script is clever, some of the humor feels repetitive, and the pacing stumbles in the third act, where the satire gives way to more conventional slasher set pieces. The killer’s motive, while thematically interesting, could have been explored with more depth, as the film occasionally struggles to balance its tonal whiplash. Additionally, some of the gore and jump scares feel tacked on, as if the film is trying too hard to prove its horror credentials. These moments disrupt the flow of the narrative and dilute the film’s satirical edge.

The film’s R rating for pervasive language, violence, and drug use might be a barrier for some viewers, but it’s worth noting that the content is handled with a clear sense of purpose. The violence isn’t gratuitous; it’s used to underscore the film’s themes of racial injustice and systemic oppression. Similarly, the language and drug use are part of the characters’ authentic, unfiltered voices, adding to the film’s realism.

The Blackening is a film that knows exactly what it’s doing and isn’t afraid to take risks, even if not every gamble pays off. It’s a smart, funny, and thought-provoking horror-comedy that challenges the audience to think critically about the genre’s history while still delivering plenty of scares and laughs. It’s perfect for watching with a big group of friends, especially those who enjoy dissecting films and discussing their deeper meanings.

In the end, The Blackening is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a horror movie, a comedy, a satire, and a social commentary all rolled into one. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.