Expanding upon my quick thoughts from the video, The Blackening is a Black comedy slasher film helmed by director Tim Story (Barbershop) from a screenplay written by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip) and Dewayne Perkins (Brooklyn Nine-Nine). The ensemble cast includes Perkins, Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji. The film, based on the 2018 short film of the same name by the comedy troupe 3Peat, follows a group of African-American friends who gather at a remote cabin in the woods during Juneteenth, only to be targeted by a masked killer.
The narrative kicks off as Morgan (Yvonne Orji) and Shawn (Jay Pharoah), a couple, arrive early at the cabin where they plan to celebrate Juneteenth with their college friends. Their discovery of a hidden game room leads them to a disturbing board game called “The Blackening,” featuring a racist Little Black Sambo caricature. As the lights suddenly go out, a mysterious voice coerces the couple into playing the game. Tragedy strikes when Shawn is fatally struck by an arrow to the neck after answering a question incorrectly, and Morgan finds herself captured by an unknown assailant.
As a fan of both horror and comedy genres, I’ve found unique enjoyment in the blend of these elements, exemplified in works like the Scream franchise and parodied masterfully in Scary Movie and its sequel. (The rest lost the horror tinge and are basically normal comedies) However, contemporary offerings in the horror-comedy genre have been sparse, making The Blackening a welcome addition. Addressing the longstanding trope of Black characters’ fates in horror films, with a few exceptions, this movie offers a refreshing twist by centering on a predominantly Black cast.
Director Tim Story’s expertise shines through in his handling of the comedic aspects, seamlessly weaving in references to classic horror films. While recognizable faces like Jay Pharoah and Yvonne Orji meet untimely ends early on, the supporting cast aptly embodies familiar Black horror archetypes, effectively engaging with the audience’s expectations. There’s the reformed criminal, the gay best friend, the mixed kid, the guy who dates a white girl, etc. The standout moment occurs during the characters’ test of their “Blackness” within the game, a tense and thought-provoking sequence that adds depth to the narrative. However, as the story progresses, it veers towards a more conventional horror trajectory, deviating from its initial premise.
The conclusion, while serviceable, feels somewhat rushed, failing to fully capitalize on the promise established in the trailers. Overall, The Blackening earns a Solid 6.8/10 from me. Despite its shortcomings, the film lays the groundwork for potential sequels, leaving room for further exploration of its intriguing premise. With careful consideration of budgetary constraints, a follow-up could expand upon the rich possibilities hinted at in this initial installment.