Lionsgate has announced the release dates for the highly anticipated film, The Blackening, directed by Tim Story (known for Ride Along). Blending genres and delivering a meta-horror experience, The Blackening manages to transcend mediocrity and stand out as a brilliant horror-comedy spoof. After its successful run in theaters and receiving critical acclaim, Lionsgate has revealed that the movie will be available for digital streaming and on-demand viewing starting August 15. Fans can also look forward to the 4K UHD, DVD, and Blu-ray releases, scheduled for August 22 later this summer.
The Blackening follows the story of seven close friends who gather for a fun retreat during the Juneteenth holiday. However, their plans take a terrifying turn when they find themselves trapped in an isolated cabin with a masked killer. The antagonist forces them to engage in a twisted board game governed by racist rules, where they must determine who among them is the “blackest” according to horror clichés. The Blackening fearlessly challenges these tropes and delivers smart subversions while maintaining its humor.
Premiering at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, The Blackening garnered mostly positive reviews, particularly for its satirical elements. Chase Hutchinson of FilmSweep praised the film for revitalizing the spoof subgenre. He commended the strong cast and the film’s clever references to critically acclaimed horror titles. In his review, Hutchinson concludes that The Blackening stands out not only for its references but also for its well-developed characters who transcend traditional tropes.
The Blackening is based on a Comedy Central sketch of the same name written by Dewayne Perkins. Perkins, who also stars in the film, co-wrote the script alongside Tracy Oliver (known for Girls Trip). The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Grace Byers (Empire), Jermaine Fowler (Coming 2 America), Melvin Gregg (House Party), X Mayo (American Auto), Antoinette Robertson (Dear White People), Sinqua Walls (White Men Can’t Jump), Jay Pharoah (Saturday Night Live), and Yvonne Orji (Insecure).
Mark your calendars for August 15 for the digital and on-demand release of The Blackening. Additionally, the film will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (+Blu-ray & Digital), Blu-ray (+DVD & Digital), and DVD starting August 22. The Blu-ray and DVD versions will include exciting bonus features, such as an audio commentary with director Tim Story and writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins. Additional bonus features include the “Who’s the Blackest?” Game Show, “Do the Write Thing,” and “Cabin in the Woods,” among others. For a sneak peek, check out the trailer below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about meta-horror
When will The Blackening be available for digital streaming and on-demand viewing?
The Blackening will be available for digital streaming and on-demand viewing starting August 15.
What formats will The Blackening be released in?
The Blackening will be released in 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.
When will the 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases of The Blackening be available?
The 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD releases of The Blackening will arrive later this summer, on August 22.
Can you provide more information about the plot of The Blackening?
The Blackening follows a group of friends who become trapped in an isolated cabin with a masked killer and are forced to participate in a twisted board game governed by racist rules.
Who is the director of The Blackening?
The Blackening is directed by Tim Story.
What is the genre of The Blackening?
The Blackening is a genre-bending horror-comedy spoof film.
Who are some of the notable cast members in The Blackening?
The cast of The Blackening includes Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji.
Are there any bonus features included in the Blu-ray and DVD releases of The Blackening?
Yes, the Blu-ray and DVD versions of The Blackening will include bonus features such as an audio commentary with the director and writers, a “Who’s the Blackest?” game show, “Do the Write Thing,” and “Cabin in the Woods,” among others.
Where did The Blackening premiere?
The Blackening made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
How was The Blackening received by critics?
The Blackening received mostly positive reviews, particularly for its satirical elements and references to critically acclaimed horror titles.
More about meta-horror
- Official Trailer of The Blackening
- Lionsgate Official Website
- Tim Story IMDb Page
- Toronto International Film Festival Official Website
6 comments
saw the blackening at the toronto film fest and it was such a breath of fresh air! loved the satirical elements and how it challenges horror tropes. definitely a must-watch for genre fans!
the blackening sounds super cool, like a mix of horror and comedy! can’t wait to stream it on august 15th!! lionsgate always delivers great movies!
omg the blackening is gonna be released on 4k, bluray, and dvd! gonna grab my copy on august 22nd. love a good horror spoof with smart subversions and humor, gonna be a hilarious watch!
the blackening has an amazing cast! grace byers, jermaine fowler, and yvonne orji are all so talented. can’t wait to see their performances in this meta-horror flick!
finally, a horror-comedy that’s not afraid to poke fun at cliches! the blackening seems like it’s gonna be a blast. gotta love a good spoof with a killer twist.
bonus features on the blu-ray and dvd? count me in! i love audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes stuff. the blackening is gonna be a treat for horror enthusiasts!