A Star-Studded Cast Brings Queer Horror Comedy to Life in 'The Parenting'

If you've ever embarked on a dream vacation that quickly turned into a rental fiasco, you might find yourself in the target audience for "The Parenting." And if you happen to be in a queer relationship where you've had the delightful challenge of "meeting the parents," this film will feel tailor-made for you.

Now streaming on Max, "The Parenting" premiered on March 13. Directed by Craig Johnson, known for his work on TV shows like "Looking" and "Minx," and films such as "The Skeleton Twins" and "Alex Strangelove," this movie brings a very queer twist to the horror-comedy genre. With a screenplay by former "SNL" writer Kurt Sublette, it's a story where a young couple navigates two excruciatingly relatable experiences simultaneously. For those nervous about the horror aspects, rest assured that the emphasis is firmly on comedy.

Set in the picturesque upstate New York, the film follows a young gay couple, Josh (Brandon Flynn) and Rohan (Nik Dodani), who are blissfully in love and proud parents to an adorable dog. Their love is so profound that Rohan decides to propose marriage at a countryside house, using the guise of introducing both sets of parents to each other for the first time. They arrive at a charming rental just as their quirky host (Parker Posey) hints at the house's eerie past, leaving the couple amused yet skeptical.

As both families arrive, the situation becomes predictably chaotic. Rohan's adoptive parents (Edie Falco and Brian Cox) are successful, sophisticated, and somewhat aloof, while Josh's parents (Lisa Kudrow and Dean Norris) are down-to-earth and gregarious. Adding to the mix is the couple's best friend Sara (Vivian Bang), who arrives unannounced, fearing that Rohan's secret engagement plan might go awry. The ensuing familial tensions and unexpected hiccups begin to test Josh and Rohan's relationship, revealing sides of each other they hadn't seen before. But these personal conflicts pale in comparison to the shock of discovering a 400-year-old paranormal entity sharing the house, with its own plans for the weekend.

The film draws inspiration from a long tradition of "haunted house" scenarios, embracing the campiness of its horror setting. It combines the gathering of antagonistic characters who must confront occult secrets with humor that juxtaposes the arcane with the everyday. Secret spells are hidden in WiFi passwords, poltergeist disturbances resemble loud arguments, and the ghostly host's outrageous outbursts are not much different from a family member's awkward remarks at a holiday dinner.

"The Parenting" treats its central theme – the unpredictable clash of personalities during a first-time family meeting – as more than just a plot device. The interpersonal dynamics and evolving relationships among the three couples at the heart of the story are crucial to the film's narrative. Even Sara, who embodies the chosen family shared by the engaged couple, plays a vital role in the negotiations. This story underlines the importance of bridging differences and setting aside egos for a common good.

Most horror films, including comedies, rely on subtext to provide allegorical commentary on real-world issues. "The Parenting" excels in this regard by assembling a cast of top-notch actors who bring the story to life. The film features veteran talents such as Falco, Kudrow, Cox, Norris, and the ever-charming Posey, all of whom deliver their performances with just the right blend of caricature and genuine humanity. The chemistry between Dodani and Flynn as the central couple is particularly engaging, making it easy for the audience to root for their relationship.

While "The Parenting" is primarily a comedy, it gives its supernatural villain a degree of dignity, despite the cartoonish menace. The film sometimes evokes an edgier "Scooby-Doo" vibe with its goofy charm, yet its scarier moments offer enough suspense to make the ending uncertain. Though it is more "Beetlejuice" in tone than "The Shining," it remains a delightful piece of entertainment. Its hour-and-a-half runtime promises an enjoyable experience, complete with an endearing queer romance that stands out in its authenticity.

In today's political climate, the film may also serve as an allegory for the resurgence of old prejudices during a gay couple's quest for acceptance from their families. This adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting that perhaps that's where the real horror lies.