IMDb 6 2023 HD

The Blackening

The Blackening

2023
Comedy Horror
97 min R USA
5.923 / 10
6 IMDB

Seven black 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…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Tim Story / Sarah Balboa / Ian J. Putnam
Starring
Grace Byers / Jermaine Fowler / Melvin Gregg / X Mayo / Dewayne Perkins / Antoinette Robertson / Sinqua Walls / Jay Pharoah

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

clever funny scary meta witty suspenseful refreshing satirical enjoyable well acted unique entertaining

Reviews

P
Penelope Thorne
Mar 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A refreshing and exhilarating take on the slasher genre, 'The Blackening' is a smart, funny, and surprisingly scary film. The core idea of friends outwitting a killer by referencing horror movie logic is brilliantly realised, thanks to a…

J
Julian Croft
Mar 19, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'The Blackening' boasts an intriguing concept and a talented cast, it doesn't quite reach the heights its premise suggests. The film attempts to skewer horror conventions through a comedic lens, and while there are certainly moments of…

I
Isabelle Dubois
Mar 19, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is precisely the kind of genre-bending thrill ride we’ve been waiting for. 'The Blackening' is a masterclass in balancing terror with sharp, insightful humour. The cast, including the magnetic X Mayo, are perfectly pitched, delivering performances that…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Mar 19, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Blackening' offers a welcome jolt of originality to the often predictable slasher landscape. The central conceit, where a group of friends must use their knowledge of horror films to survive a vengeful killer, is executed with considerable…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A genuinely fun and surprisingly clever addition to the slasher canon, 'The Blackening' succeeds by leaning into its meta premise with gusto. The ensemble cast, led by a sharp Jermaine Fowler, navigates the cabin fever and homicidal threat…

FAQs

What sets 'The Blackening' apart is its meta-commentary on the horror genre itself. The characters are not just victims; they are savvy viewers who recognise and utilise horror movie conventions to their advantage. This self awareness, combined with a killer who seems to be playing by their own twisted rules, creates a fresh dynamic. It’s a clever inversion of expectations, making the horror both familiar and surprisingly original.