By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — It made $6 million while appearing in 1,775 theaters nationwide.
This is the latest film to offer a different, definitely African American spin on the horror genre.
It takes a comedic approach and is co-written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, and produced by Story, Olivet and Sharle Sam.
“The Blackening” is based on a 2018 short film of the same name created by the comedy troupe 3Peat.
The original productuon, as well as the 2023 version, tells the story of seven friends on a holiday retreat who suddenly find themselves trapped in a cabin with a killer on a vendetta.
The intriguing thing is they all happen to be fans of horror films They must use that knowledge, coupled with their wits and street savvy, to survive.
The new version runs 96 minutes with a cast that includes Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, Mayo Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah and Yvonne Orji
The trailer for this Lions gate release was issued early in March, and generated lots of positive reaction. The studio also ran promos throughout the NBA playoffs.
Tim Story has had varied success rhroughout his career with films in multiple genres, but the hope is he will be able to duplicate with “The Blackening” the success Jordan Peele enjoyed with “Get Out” in terms of fitting a contemporary story into a classic cinematic franework.
