The Blackening (2022)

My quick rating - 6.4/10. I popped on The Blackening, knowing it would be something I had seen before, and it infuses that with elements of both missed opportunities and commendable humor. This horror-comedy film follows a group of black friends who gather for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to discover themselves trapped in a secluded cabin with a deranged killer. Did that word "cabin" grab your attention? There are shortcomings, but it does manage to toss in some quality laughs along the way. Another positive is its timely exploration of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. Setting the story during this period offers a unique backdrop that adds cultural significance and gives the characters some historical context to work off of. The cast of The Blackening shines, bringing a vibrant and relatable dynamic to their characters. Jermaine Fowler stood out to me since his laughs were dead on. The chemistry between the group of friends is palpable, even though I didn't recognize some of them, and their interactions generate genuine humor. The comedic moments help to alleviate tension and inject lightheartedness into what is a pretty dark and suspenseful story. I just felt that they missed a lot of possible jokes that were obviously the target. The poster alone tells you exactly where they were going, and I just felt it suffered from missed chances. The film sets up our typical story with the friends being trapped in a remote cabin, but fails to capitalize on the horror and doesn't even really stick with the overused concept. The pacing feels uneven at times, with certain scenes dragging on while others rush through crucial plot points. Still, director Tim Story managed to develop the mystery of who the killer is, which has to be a staple for these flicks, and does so quite well. The Blackening manages to entertain with its clever humor and occasional scary moments. It does successfully combine horror and comedy genres, just a bit light on the horror. That may have been my own expectations' fault. Still, the Juneteenth backdrop adds relevance, reflecting on the African American experience while incorporating elements of celebration and liberation, while answering the question it presents on the poster LOL.

Playing on a few streamers for theater at-home pricing if interested.

The Blackening (2022)

#comedy #jackmeatsflix #IMDB #Plex