Movies

The Parenting is a mixed bag of a getaway buoyed most of all by its cast

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Kent Sublette’s screenplay for “The Parenting” sets off engagingly as long-term couple Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn) ready a borrowed mansion for a weekend gathering involving themselves, their parents. The lively anticipation between Dodani and Flynn, gearing up to meet each other’s families for the first time, carries some comical undertones. The fact that the caretaker of this property is the suspiciously peculiar Elizabeth, portrayed by the consistently charming Parker Posey, adds another layer of amusement. It’s hard to go wrong when “Party Girl” fame’s leading lady plays an eccentric character!

Eventually, the parents make their appearance, and a comedy reminiscent of “Meet the Fockers” unfolds. Rohan’s parents, Gerald (Brian Cox) and Dorothy (Edie Falco), are stern and reserved, while Josh’s parents, Lisa (Lisa Kudrow) and John (Dean Norris), are more laid-back and eccentric. The mix of these diverse personalities already promises an awkward gathering, with Dorothy harboring hostility towards all things related to Josh. However, the situation escalates when it’s revealed that this house is haunted by an evil spirit, turning what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway into something far more sinister – more like “The Conjuring” or “The Amityville Horror.

Directors Craig Johnson and Kent Sublette skillfully extract heartwarming early scenes from the Parenting series by challenging the well-known personas of its lead actors. Instead of his usual ruthless character as the head of the Roy family, Cox portrays a more gentle individual who doesn’t shy away from singing along to an old song at the dinner table. On the other hand, John takes on one of Norris’ kindest characters yet, a laid-back man content to meet Josh’s partner. It’s amusing to watch actors like Falco move beyond their television niches. Furthermore, the close-up narrative style emphasizes humorous character conflicts such as Lisa bringing numerous barking dogs that drive Dorothy crazy.

Regrettably, as the terrifying aspects seep into the film titled “The Parenting“, it’s then that the project seems to derail and veer off course. Despite the impressive practical effects that made the ominous sprawl of the demon entity appear solid, the creative vision behind the film starts losing its unique touch. Initially, director Johnson and cinematographer Hillary Spera use innovative techniques like Dutch angles to distinguish chilling trips to the haunted basement from everyday interactions between family members in the driveway. However, once Gerald gets possessed and ghostly apparitions start appearing throughout the house, the creative ingenuity of “The Parenting” starts to wane.

The excessive scenes featuring the character Gerald, who seems to be under some kind of possession, closely resemble scenes from the movie “The Exorcist.” This is evident in the way his head spins around and in the numerous instances of him vomiting, which is reminiscent of that film. Additionally, the sudden scares and portrayal of supernatural entities within this house could easily fit into any random “Conjuring” movie. Unfortunately, “The Parenting’s” initial concept, although unique, quickly becomes a collection of horror movie tropes you’ve seen many times before. To make matters worse, the attempts to inject humor into the scary scenes feel forced and unoriginal, with jokes like an extended fart gag that lack appeal. Despite Johnson’s ability to handle multiple tones in “The Skeleton Twins,” he seems less successful at doing so here.

As The Parenting progresses and leans more towards horror imitations, the cast members manage to keep things entertaining. A tranquil scene featuring Falco and Kudrow playing two mothers connecting surprisingly works due to their dialogue, though it’s quite instructive. Despite this, they generate enough chemistry to make the moment amusing. Posey’s offbeat portrayal stands out as a highlight and serves as another testament to her versatility in film, leaving one wondering why Christopher Nolan hasn’t yet cast her as the lead in one of his films. Meanwhile, supporting actress Vivian Bang, who plays Sara, Rohan and Josh’s friend, experiences a dramatic moment that feels out of place. This sudden dive into emotional depth for a character not fully developed seems like an odd choice in Kent Sublette’s script. The question remains as to why this unexpected burst of pathos was included for a character yet to demonstrate such complexity.

Despite the sincerity Bang brings to this scene, it underscores the immense acting talent displayed in the series The Parenting. For enthusiasts of these performers who haven’t encountered other Exorcist parodies, this could serve as a casual weekend watch. It’s undeniably refreshing to see a mainstream horror/comedy that includes a kiss between two men on-screen. Similarly, an extended scene showcases Dean Norris repeatedly punching a possessed dog, which is covered in a towel throughout. Rest assured, the dog comes out unscathed, and no distressing content is depicted on-screen.

Although embracing this concept that’s reminiscent of Gary Larson’s “Here, Fifi! C’mon!” comic strip reveals a daring side to parenting I wish was showcased more often, it yearns for more cringe-worthy humor. Sadly, the movie struggles to live up to its potential and culminates in an ordinary ending that bears a strange resemblance to the finale of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Instead of early practical effects for portraying supernatural forces, this production opted for a barrage of CGI. Despite a promising start, it ends up being all artifice, even losing track of the genre that is “The Parenting.

Meeting your lover’s family can be challenging, much like creating a successful horror-comedy blend. Craig Johnson’s ability to blend genres elevates “The Parenting” above his previous streaming release, the less-than-impressive “Alex Strangelove” from 2018. The film truly shines in its cast and intriguing details such as the wallpaper in the main mansion reminiscent of “I’m Thinking of Ending Things“. While the movie isn’t bad overall, it mainly consists of jokes and horror parodies that have been done before. In a landscape filled with films like “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” and “The Cabin in the Woods“, there are more consistent and amusing homages to scary movie-making.

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2025-03-14 19:15

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