Tim Story’s The Blackening has a lot going for it. And I do mean this in a big way . Many people just looking at it at the surface level may seem to see it as just another one of those racial comedies. But what sets it apart is that not only is it good at being a comedy, it’s also effective as a horror film equally as well.
There’s no denying that. And it’s not an easy thing to accomplish as a filmmaker.
The Blackening surrounds a group of African-American characters who have come together for the first time in 10 years for a Juneteenth celebration. The film opens with a couple who have encountered a board game called the Blackening , which is of course an extremely racist board game that leads to less than favorable circumstances. But you're forced to play it for your life by what may be a supernatural force or otherwise that’s powering it.
When the rest of the group shows up, they of course wonder where their pair of missing friends are, and come across the game themselves. A great thing about The Blackening is the variety of character traits and personalities in this group of young and successful black characters. There’s no arguing that the variety of relating put on display here is accented by the performers' talents. It doesn’t really feel like you’re watching acting. That’s when you know you’re in a space with true talent.
These kids really appear to know each other tightly which leads to hilarious dialogue that often times, in a Robert Altman Way, almost overlaps to the point where you miss some really good one liners. It’s almost worth checking it out twice just for that reason.
But back to the game. It is filled with trivia questions about black culture, whether it’s television or history, and all of our cast members are adept at answering the questions, which shows the intelligence of all involved. Eventually things do expand beyond the game, and lead to further adventures. Social commentary abounds, which is a clear intent, amongst the other wonderfully scripted material by Dwayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver.
This is highly recommended for Halloween though, because it is a straight up horror film that holds to all the conventions besides comedy. Meanwhile it’s making you realize there’s a lot out there in the world that many don’t understand that they should take the time to pay attention to. And In Ways, despite being an entertainment, it’s also a public service announcement for any of those out there still stupid enough to think that people of color are one dimensional in any way, shape, or form.
It appears that Jordan Peele has opened a door for followers to give us many things to learn from.
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