‘We can’t all die first’
The Blackening is a 2022 American comedy horror film about a group of black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer.
Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along; Think Like A Man; Barbershop) from a screenplay written by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip; Harlem) and Dewayne Perkins (The Amber Ruffin Show; Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Produced by Sharla Sumpter Bridgett, Marcei A. Brown, Jason Clark, E. Brian Dobbins, Tracy Oliver, Dewayne Perkins and Tim Story.
The movie stars Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah and Yvonne Orji.
Release date:
In the US, The Blackening will be released theatrically on June 16, 2023.
Reviews:
“The Blackening is a pretty solid horror movie, with some decent kills and a unique choice of weapon for the killer (a crossbow). But the comedy and camaraderie between the friends make the film stand out. These characters act like true friends, fighting and supporting each other. And the script, by Perkins and Oliver, is full of clever, sharp jokes.” All Horror
“It’s not the most unpredictable horror movie, but it makes up for that by being incredibly entertaining and intensely thrilling. Though they frequently break the tension with humour, that doesn’t make hiding from the killer or avoiding their attacks any less scary. Moreover, the characters all have distinctly engaging personalities.” Digital Journal
” …The Blackening peaks in its opening scene since it has a premise that works as a short film, or in this case, a comedy sketch, but quickly loses steam as a feature. The film relies heavily on populist humour aimed toward a black audience, and the horror almost takes a backseat for much of the film […] believes that it is more clever than it actually is.” 3 out of 5, Sean Kelly on Movies
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Cast and characters:
Antoinette Robertson … Lisa
Dewayne Perkins … Dewayne
Sinqua Walls … Nnamdi
Grace Byers … Allison
X Mayo … Shanika
Melvin Gregg … King
Jermaine Fowler … Clifton
Yvonne Orji … Morgan
Jay Pharoah … Shawn
James Preston Rogers … Camden Conner/Blackface 1/Clive Conner/Blackface 2/Creepy guy
