The Blackening

In cinemas now

This dark comedy, directed by Tim Story and written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, is a knowing takedown of racial stereotypes, specifically those often seen within horror films. Adapted from a short by the comedy troupe 3Peat, The Blackening is focused on a group of friends who rent an isolated woodland cabin as part of their Juneteenth celebrations, only for the weekend to take a sinister turn when they become embroiled in a murderous board game.

While it’s debatable whether it is as funny or as scary as its premise allows, The Blackening is a mostly original picture that successfully skewers the genre tropes its characters often make reference to, while also serving as a celebration of contemporary Black American culture. Indeed, any moments of unoriginality - such as the film’s more gross-out gags - feel intended in a vein not dissimilar to the Scary Movie franchise which, intentionally or otherwise, Oliver and Perkins’ screenplay frequently evokes memories of.

From the ensemble cast, it is Grace Byers and Perkins who shine brightest, with the latter definitely standing out as a talent worth keeping an eye on. Much of the film’s dialogue was improvised, and it’s definitely the chemistry between the lead cast which lends The Blackening much of its charm. While some viewers might find some of the gags a little too on the nose, most will find plenty to like about this acerbic flick.