A Supernatural Escape: A New Comedy Horror with a Twist
The Parenting, directed by Craig Johnson (known for Wilson and Alex Strangelove), presents a unique blend of humor and supernatural elements. Slated for release on Max on March 13, this film, penned by Kent Sublette of Saturday Night Live fame, may lack the traditional horror scares, but it compensates with a talented cast whose comedic timing elevates the overall experience beyond conventional streaming fare.
A Weekend of Awkward Introductions
The story follows Rohan (Nik Dodani from Atypical and Twisters) and Josh (Brandon Flynn from 13 Reasons Why and Manhunt), a charming couple nervous about meeting each other’s families. As they drive to a picturesque mansion they rented for just $350 a night, they exchange strategies to impress their parents. Rohan, determined to prepare his boyfriend for his strict and critical adoptive parents, takes the lead. In contrast, Josh, a former REI employee and aspiring musician, believes his easygoing nature will win over Rohan’s parents.
A Clash of Family Dynamics
However, Josh’s confident assumptions quickly crumble upon meeting Rohan’s adoptive parents, Frank (Brian Cox) and Sharon (Edie Falco), who are far from amused by his humor. The strict demeanor of Rohan’s parents starkly contrasts with Josh’s relaxed family, consisting of Liddy (Lisa Kudrow) and Cliff (Dean Norris). The tension is palpable when all six adults congregate, setting the stage for an evening filled with awkward encounters.
The Haunting Begins
As if introducing family dynamics wasn’t challenging enough, the house itself adds to their unease. Haunted by mysterious noises that disrupt their sleep, the setting carries an intriguing backstory. In a flashback to 1983, the film reveals a past family with a tragic fate as they encounter a demon, expertly blending humor with horror. In the present, Brenda (Parker Posey), the enigmatic woman who manages the rental, hints at the house’s haunted history, leaving Rohan and Josh feeling increasingly uneasy.
Humor is Key
Instead of rushing into frights, Johnson opts to develop the characters and family dynamics, yielding some of the film’s most comedic moments. Interactions between the characters offer a delightful mix of dad jokes and awkward humor, strengthened by the stellar performances of Cox, Falco, Kudrow, and Norris. Their chemistry effectively captures the discomfort of mingling families that may not see eye to eye. Dodani and Flynn embody the anxious young adults, striving for parental approval yet yearning for independence.
Technology and the Supernatural
The plot thickens as paranormal activities unfold, initiated humorously through the Wi-Fi password, which turns out to be a Latin curse. Frank succumbs to a possession after mistakenly reading the password aloud, triggering a series of comical yet alarming events.
Finding Humor in Horror
As Rohan’s father becomes ensnared in the demon’s grip, Josh faces an unfamiliar side of his partner. He seeks help from their friend Sara (Vivian Bang), leading to more chaotic but funny situations. The Parenting leans into a comedic approach to horror, offering chuckles instead of frights. While the lore surrounding the hauntings feels a bit shallow, the film emphasizes laughs over traditional terror, ensuring the audience is entertained without the weight of horror’s more gruesome tropes.
The film appeals to those who appreciate light-hearted supernatural comedy over spine-chilling horror, signaling a refreshing divergence from conventional genre tropes.