Parental Paranoia: Max’s "The Parenting" Offers a Hauntingly Hilarious Family Getaway
Max is gearing up to unleash a comedic horror experience with its upcoming film, "The Parenting," directed by Craig Johnson. Forget the awkwardness of meeting the in-laws; this movie suggests that facing demonic possession within the confines of a possibly haunted house takes the cake for relationship challenges. The recently released trailer promises a blend of family dynamics, supernatural scares, and laugh-out-loud moments, all wrapped up in a package of millennial angst and parental eccentricities.
The premise is straightforward, albeit with a delightfully twisted spin. Rohan, played by Nik Dodani, and Josh, portrayed by Brandon Flynn, a young, modern couple, decide to take the plunge and introduce their respective families to each other. What better way to facilitate bonding than a weekend getaway to a rented country house? The idyllic setting quickly transforms into a breeding ground for unease as strange occurrences begin to disrupt the carefully curated familial harmony. Whispers in the walls, objects moving on their own, and unsettling changes in behavior amongst the guests all point to a sinister presence lurking within the old house.
As the weekend progresses, the various family members, initially focused on judging each other and navigating the complexities of their relationships, begin to realize that something far more sinister is afoot. The unsettling events escalate, pushing them to confront not only their personal issues but also a malevolent force threatening their very survival. The trailer culminates in the reveal of the demon’s chosen vessel: none other than Brian Cox, the acclaimed actor known for his powerful performances. Cox, now possessed, becomes the primary antagonist, using his character’s body to terrorize the unsuspecting families and attempt to systematically eliminate them.
The humor derives from the juxtaposition of the everyday anxieties of meeting the parents with the outlandish reality of battling a demon. Imagine trying to impress your future in-laws while simultaneously dodging demonic attacks and deciphering cryptic clues left behind by the house’s former occupants. The absurdity of the situation is amplified by the reactions of the characters, who range from skeptical disbelief to outright panic.
"The Parenting" doesn’t appear to be aiming for the extreme gore of films like "The Monkey" or the mind-bending psychological horror of "It’s What’s Inside." Instead, the trailer suggests a lighter, more accessible horror experience, relying on comedic timing and clever writing to deliver the scares. The film seems to be banking on the audience’s familiarity with the trope of the awkward family gathering, then subverting it with supernatural elements. It’s a formula that, if executed well, could prove to be a winning combination.
A significant draw of the movie is its impressive ensemble cast. Beyond Dodani, Flynn, and the iconic Brian Cox, the film features Vivian Bang, Dean Norris, Edie Falco, Parker Posey, and Lisa Kudrow. Each of these actors brings a unique comedic sensibility and acting prowess to their roles, promising a rich tapestry of character interactions and memorable performances. Seeing Edie Falco, known for her dramatic roles in "The Sopranos" and "Nurse Jackie," navigating a haunted house scenario is sure to be a treat, while Lisa Kudrow’s comedic timing is always a welcome addition to any project. Dean Norris, familiar to audiences from his role in "Breaking Bad," adds a touch of gravitas and groundedness to the chaos. Parker Posey’s presence hints at her signature quirky energy, likely contributing to the film’s overall comedic tone.
The casting choices also lend themselves to the film’s exploration of generational differences. The younger actors embody the millennial perspective on relationships and family, while the more established actors represent the viewpoints of their respective generations. This contrast in perspectives is likely to fuel much of the comedic tension, both within the family dynamics and in their reactions to the supernatural events.
For those who have been missing Brian Cox’s portrayal of a grumpy, powerful patriarch since the conclusion of "Succession," "The Parenting" offers a chance to see him return to a similar vein. However, this time around, Cox takes the character to a whole new level, adding demonic possession and nudity to the mix. The trailer showcases glimpses of Cox’s performance, promising a memorable and delightfully unsettling portrayal of a man battling an inner demon – both literally and figuratively.
While the trailer provides a taste of what’s to come, the true test of "The Parenting" will be its ability to balance the comedic and horror elements effectively. Successfully merging the two genres requires careful pacing, clever writing, and committed performances from the cast. If the film can strike the right balance, it has the potential to be a fun and engaging horror-comedy that appeals to a wide audience.
"The Parenting" is poised to offer viewers a unique blend of familiar anxieties and fantastical scares. With its talented cast, intriguing premise, and comedic undertones, the film has the potential to be a streaming hit. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 13th, and prepare to face your fears – both familial and supernatural – with "The Parenting" on Max. Just remember, when meeting your partner’s parents, things could always be worse… they could be possessed by a demon.
