In the midst of the chaotic hijinks, the narrative centers Black American culture and all of its complexities.
Things start at a cabin in the woods like most horror movies these days.
The plan is to vacation together and have a grand ole party.
From left: Melvin Gregg, Grace Byers, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jermaine Fowler, Dewayne Perkins and Xochitl Mayo in ‘The Blackening’Glen Wilson
When the two find a game called the Blackening in one of the back rooms, they get curious.
The first question is: Name a Black character that survives any horror film.
They answer the question wrong, so now there is hell to pay.
The group must now rely on their wit to stay alive.
Their life-or-death predicament also triggers introspection about their beliefs on race and identity.
For example, look at Clifton as a character.
The script partnered with Storys direction, capture the culture through an unapologetically Black lens.
What really sets the film apart is its humor that doesnt compromise its poignant message for cheap laughs.
The comedic bits disarms the audiences, making them more susceptible to the films deeper themes.
The Blackeningcleverly weaves humor with introspective points on Blackness in the American context.
Black culture doesnt exist in a vacuum and the characters examine that externally and internally.
The story also makes a point to showcase the heroes can be someone other than a cis-straight man.
The Blackeningis hands-down one of the best comedies of the year.
