The Blackening – Film Review

Seven friends go away for the weekend, only to find themselves trapped in a cabin with a killer who has a vendetta. They must pit their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies against the murderer to stay alive.

The Blackening, directed by Tim Story, is a film that combines elements of horror and comedy to create a unique and entertaining experience. With its incredibly wholesome and light-hearted atmosphere, the movie manages to maintain a sense of fun while still delivering on the horror aspect. In many ways, it reminded me of Christopher Landon‘s Freaky in terms of its approach.

While The Blackening does have its fair share of fun slasher moments, it, unfortunately, falls short of my expectations. One of the main issues is the pacing, as it takes a disappointingly long time for anything remotely funny, creepy, or even truly enjoyable to happen. Despite being just under ninety minutes in length, we don’t get any true horror elements until nearly forty-five minutes into the film. This slow build-up may test the patience of some viewers, especially those expecting more immediate thrills.

However, one redeeming factor that keeps the movie afloat is the performances of the cast. Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, and Dewayne Perkins all deliver enjoyable performances and showcase excellent chemistry with one another. Their interactions and banter bring a level of authenticity to the group of friends trapped in the cabin, making them relatable and likable characters. Their comedic timing and ability to navigate the horror elements of the film help elevate the overall experience.

Despite its flaws, The Blackening is a commendable effort. It may not be the most entertaining horror film you’ll see all year, but it does have its merits. The film successfully combines elements of comedy and horror, creating a unique blend of genres. It manages to strike a balance between the lighthearted and the horrifying, offering a fresh take on the traditional cabin-in-the-woods scenario.

One aspect worth mentioning is the impressive attention to detail in the production design. The cabin setting feels authentic and appropriately eerie, with dimly lit rooms and creaking floorboards adding to the suspense. The cinematography captures the claustrophobic nature of the cabin, amplifying the sense of confinement and vulnerability that the characters experience. These technical aspects of the film contribute to its overall atmosphere and enhance the viewing experience.

The Blackening does have its fair share of scares, with some genuinely tense moments scattered throughout. The killer’s presence is felt gradually, building up suspense as the friends realize they are not alone in the cabin. The film incorporates clever nods to classic horror movies, using the characters’ knowledge of the genre to create self-aware moments that add a layer of meta-commentary to the story. These elements bring some much-needed excitement to the narrative, and the climax delivers on the promised horror elements.

The Blackening may not fully meet the expectations of horror enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience from start to finish. Its pacing issues and slow build-up can be frustrating, but the film’s commendable performances, attention to detail, and successful blending of horror and comedy make it worth a watch. It is an imperfect but entertaining movie that manages to carve out its own space within the genre.