by Christian Grullon, Contributing Writer
The Blackening provides the perfect tagline, “We all can’t die first,” which is a massive shoutout to horror parodies like Scary Movie and Bodies Bodies Bodies, in which the characters and commentary are all hilarious and explicitly connect with Black viewers.
This new film follows a group of friends from college who gather for a Juneteenth celebration at a cabin. They soon find themselves at the mercy of a killer after enjoying a few games of spades. From then on, the characters must rely on their knowledge of Black culture to survive.
Crucial to the movie’s conflict is the board game, The Blackening, which has a racist Sambo, which all the characters must play to live. Once the questions run out, it’s open season for slashing from that point on. The Blackening holds its own with its horror inspirations, with a Scream-like opening.
Although there is some bloodshed, the violence is used for more laughs than horror. The dialogue is filled with funny punchlines, along with some physical comedy. Although each character shines in crucial moments, the one who really stands out is Dewayne (Dewayne Perkins), the fast-talking, gay best friend of the central character Lisa (Antoinette Robertson).
Dewayne constantly graces the movie with his humor, but that changes when he finds out that Lisa is getting back together with her unfaithful ex, Nnamdi (Sinqua Walls). Of course, Dewayne is not too happy about Nnamdi joining the crew. The distrust among the group openly presents itself as the movie gets more intense.
While doing everything to escape from the killer, the film doesn’t hesitiate to address the complicated dilemma of relationships and friendships. The movie refuses to ignore the other characters, such as the shy, Android-loving Clifton (Jermaine Fowler), who reveals that he voted for Trump, loudmouth Shanika (X Mayo), the hardcore gangster King (Melvin Gregg), and Allison (Grace Byers).
The Blackening punches at the perceived notion that Black people are a monolith and think the same. Each character gives their own reason why they don’t fit Blackness when the game asks them to sacrifice who they deem to be the Blackest. Dewayne is gay, Allison is biracial, and King is married to a white woman. The movie does an excellent job of addressing the jabs that are constantly thrown at Black people to make a singular vision of Blackness that isn’t based on anything.
Although the film does touch on racism, it’s not done in overly traumatic ways that will leave viewers angry and scared. It is nowhere near 12 Years a Slave, Detroit, or Amistad, so the film constantly keeps its comedy and laughs. To wit, Black pop culture references, and the examination of serious interpersonal issues and perceptions about the Black community, really make this film top-tier.
Through and through, The Blackening holds on to its comedy and wit, and it doesn’t overly rely on racial trauma to connect with Black viewers.
Score: 10/10
The Blackening is currently playing in theaters
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