The Blackening: Horror Spoof With a Side of Stereotypes and Laughter

When I first sat down to watch The Blackening, I wasn’t expecting much. Horror spoof comedies are a genre that often feels overdone and predictable, and I was skeptical about how this one would fare. However, the premise intrigued me enough to give it a shot. By the time the credits rolled, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, even though the beginning left me uncertain.

The film starts off slow, struggling to find its comedic rhythm, but as it progresses, it quickly finds its footing. The cast, which includes an ensemble of talented actors, delivers their lines with perfect timing, and their performances grow more engaging as the movie unfolds. The movie is, at its core, a satire of the horror genre, particularly how it plays with black stereotypes, and it does so with a sharp sense of humor. The jokes come fast and often, playing off clichés and social commentary with impressive wit.

Jermaine Fowler’s performance as Clifton stands out as the highlight of the film. He completely owns his role, and every scene he’s in had me laughing out loud. Clifton’s character takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter to exasperation, and his unpredictable nature made him the most interesting character of the bunch. Fowler’s comedic timing and delivery are spot-on, making him the comedic backbone of the film.

That said, The Blackening is not without its flaws. While the humor is often sharp and clever, the writing can be weak at times, relying on predictable tropes that hinder the overall impact of the story. Additionally, like many horror comedies, the plot itself is somewhat thin, with a typical horror scenario that’s been done a million times before. While the focus is more on the experience than the plot, it’s hard to ignore the predictability of the film.

Despite these shortcomings, The Blackening offers a fun time for those who appreciate satire and dark humor. The film’s take on horror and its exploration of Black identity through a comedic lens make it stand out from other films in the genre. It’s not a perfect film by any means, but it’s an enjoyable ride that’s worth watching for its humor and heart.