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On March 13, 2025, The Parenting, a horror comedy directed by Craig Johnson, made its debut on Max, quickly attracting both attention and criticism from viewers and critics alike. The film currently holds a 48% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, in stark contrast to a more favorable 79% audience score. The disparity between these ratings raises questions about the expectations surrounding the film and the criticisms it has faced.
Many critics have pointed out that the screenplay fails to match the caliber of its impressive ensemble cast, which features well-known actors from popular HBO series like Brian Cox (Succession), Edie Falco (The Sopranos), and Parker Posey (The White Lotus), alongside recognizable faces like Lisa Kudrow (Friends) and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad). Another significant criticism is the film’s lack of genuine scares, leading some to argue that it does not fulfill the expectations typically associated with horror films.
Historically, genre classifications can be limiting, and some of the most cherished films often challenge conventional boundaries. If viewers approach The Parenting without the expectation of traditional horror, they might discover a fun and distinctive experience, much like many audience members have already done.
What Is ‘The Parenting’ About?
At the heart of the story are Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), a young couple navigating the awkward “meet the parents” phase. To ensure everything goes smoothly, they rent a country house for a weekend gathering where their families can come together. Rohan’s adoptive parents are depicted as cold and detached, while Josh’s family is portrayed as eccentric and overbearing. Adding to the tension is the fact that their rented house is inhabited by a 400-year-old spirit with a malevolent agenda. The film unfolds into a darkly comedic adventure as both families unite to confront the supernatural threat that seeks to trap them.
‘The Parenting’ Has Something for Everyone (Except Scares, I Guess)
While The Parenting may not redefine the horror-comedy genre or achieve classic status, it undoubtedly delivers humor and charm. Many viewers found themselves laughing genuinely, often surprised by the cleverness and originality present in the script. Especially notable was Parker Posey’s ability to deliver some memorable lines that elicited laughter.
The film also explores a tender queer romance, offering a refreshing perspective that avoids heavy-handed depictions of trauma often seen in similar narratives. Instead of focusing exclusively on the trials faced by queer characters, The Parenting presents a light-hearted story about love between two men. Though some may interpret the haunting elements as allegorical reflections of societal challenges like homophobia or generational trauma, many will enjoy the film simply for its comedic heart.
The expectation that The Parenting needed to deliver a spine-chilling experience akin to Hereditary seems misguided, especially when evaluating other titles like The Muppets Haunted Mansion, which also incorporates ghosts without demand for horror elements. It’s exciting to see a playful film centered on a queer couple featuring star-studded performances, where their identity is part of the story rather than the sole focus.
The primary critique appears to center on the film’s inability to deliver conventional scares. However, The Parenting manages to entertain throughout its runtime, serving wit and heart in equal measure. To critique it for not being sufficiently frightening feels akin to criticizing a parody for lacking real horror. There are numerous examples of films that blend spooky elements with humor, making it perplexing why The Parenting has received such pointed criticism for its gentler approach. Whether this is a case of misalignment in marketing or a disproportionate critical response is yet to be determined, but what stands clear is that the film offers a delightful viewing experience for 94 minutes.
Source
movieweb.com