Meeting the parents can be truly killer for any relationship, let alone a gay one with all its unconventional intricacies. What happens when a haunted house and demonic possession are thrown into the mix? Enter: The Parenting, hatched from a delicious collaboration between director Craig Johnson (The Skeleton Twins, Alex Strangelove) and screenwriter Ken Sublette (head writer for Saturday Night Live). Embracing the truest definition of ensemble, this delightfully campy horror/comedy brings together two very different dysfunctional families for a weekend of spooky hijinks. An over-the-top, genre-blending gem, The Parenting will projectile vomit its way into one’s heart.
Josh (Brandon Flynn, 13 Reasons Why, Hulu’s Hellraiser) and Rohan (Nik Dodani, Escape Room, Twisters) are quite the happy couple, headed deep into the country to finally meet their respective parents at a planned rental property. From their initial scenes together, a few aspects of their relationship leap to the surface. For one, Josh has recently lost his job, and Rohan requests that this aspect be left out at least for the time being. The duo share a similar sense of humor that helps to make their bond more believable. With their suspected lesbian dog Kate in tow, Josh and Rohan arrive at the sprawling home—eccentric oddball Brenda (Parker Posey, Scream 3, Josie and the Pussycats) awaits their arrival planted in the driveway. Who could resist paying just $350 a night to stay in a literal mansion?
Fans of Posey’s work will no doubt embrace her bizarre quirks here as well. No stranger to scene-stealing characters, Posey appears sparingly as Brenda, yet always leaves a mark each time she shows up. The caretaker of the property, Brenda gives the duo a tour, a gift basket, some emergency numbers, a Wi-Fi password in Latin, and excitedly spills that the “Worm Moon” is coming. Flat out asking the couple their sexuality, Brenda sets off many red flags before she abruptly leaves them to their own devices. With her long braid, weird clothing, and garish makeup, Posey was a perfect fit for this unhinged supporting role.
Well before the parents come into the equation at all, Josh and Rohan have some issues between them that will no doubt rise to the surface once we get into the supernatural. A free spirited musician, Josh proves to be a polar opposite from uptight, anxious Rohan. Rohan’s proposal looms, spilled accidentally by their close mutual friend, Sara (Vivian Bang, Always Be My Maybe, Runt). Nevertheless, the arrival of both sets of parental figures signals a serious shift in the energy. The juxtaposition between the groups emphasize two polar opposite upbringings. Rohan’s conservative adoptive mom, Sharon (Edie Falco, The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie), and dad, Frank (Brian Cox, Trick ‘r Treat, The Ring), bring dry humor and skepticism to the chaos. On the opposite end, laid-back and lovable Liddy (Lisa Kudrow, Friends, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion) and her easygoing husband, Cliff (Dean Norris, Breaking Bad, Under the Dome), are far more accepting of Josh’s quirks. Kudrow’s naivety coupled with surprising line delivery make Liddy—never “Libby”—a definite standout.
The table has been set, so once the crew settles in, the awkwardness can ensue. A family dinner plagued by weed gummies and demon hands goes horribly awry, as everyone assumes Josh is just acting out. Frank gets possessed by a bigoted ancient demon, resulting in some truly wild situational comedy from a foul-mouthed Brian Cox. Going from the ferocious Logan Roy in Succession to nervous father figure, Frank, Cox embraces a challenging role by leaning hard into the absurdity of the humor. The genre elements here may be light, but it remains so much fun to watch unfold. Trapped by a neverending snowstorm, the group must put aside their differences and figure out a way to survive their nightmarish weekend from hell.
The Parenting works by unabashedly embracing the ridiculousness of its premise. The careful balancing act of horror and comedy are thanks to the sharp scripting and strength of an impressive ensemble cast. As the central couple, the chemistry between Flynn and Dodani makes us root for their relationship to weather the storm of this messy situation. Many characters make comments about Josh’s physique, speaking for the entire audience as Flynn walks around in extra-tight clothing. The yin and yang of the relationship becomes the beating heart at the center of the ghoulish, Beetlejuice brand of humor. Despite all the positives and an increasingly preposterous buildup, the envelope could have been pushed further, especially in the gore department. Still, there are enough strong set pieces and one liners to satisfy. For aficionados of queer horror, The Parenting should chant the ghostly notes of an instant classic mashup.
Call in an exorcist to grapple with the horny demonic energy of The Parenting, spooking its way to Max on Thursday, March 13th.
