The Parenting Review: A Spooky, Funny Family Horror-Comedy

In the realm of genre-blending films, The Parenting stands out as a 2025 gem that fuses uproarious comedy with spine-tingling horror. Directed by Craig Johnson and penned by Kent Sublette, this movie transforms a seemingly idyllic weekend retreat into a whirlwind of supernatural pandemonium, all while dissecting the messy intricacies of blending families. What begins as an earnest attempt by a young couple to merge their worlds spirals into chaos when ancient evil intervenes, offering viewers a mirror to their own relational struggles laced with laughter and light scares.

Unpacking the Plot: From Meet-Cute to Demon Possession

The story centers on Rohan and Josh, a loving couple eager to bridge their families during a countryside getaway. Rohan, played with charm by Nik Dodani, hails from a more structured adoptive household led by the uptight Sharon (Edie Falco) and Frank (Brian Cox). In contrast, Josh (Brandon Flynn) brings his free-spirited parents, the bohemian Liddy (Lisa Kudrow) and affable Cliff (Dean Norris). The rental home, overseen by the quirky local Brenda (Parker Posey), appears perfect—until eerie events reveal its 400-year-old poltergeist resident.

Tensions simmer from the outset: cultural clashes, generational gaps, and unspoken resentments bubble up like a pot ready to boil over. The turning point arrives when Frank unwittingly activates the spirit by reciting the WiFi password aloud, leading to his possession. This demonic takeover amplifies every family flaw—turning mild disagreements into full-blown battles—while the group, aided by Josh’s meddlesome best friend Sara, scrambles for an exorcism. The narrative cleverly uses the hauntings as a metaphor for buried conflicts, making the horror feel intimately personal rather than generic.

• Key Plot Twists: Expect ’80s flashback sequences revealing the house’s curse, possessed pet antics, and undead apparitions that toggle between creepy and comical.
• Pacing Mastery: The film balances setup with escalating absurdity, ensuring scares punctuate laughs without overwhelming the tone.
• Climactic Unity: Families must shelve differences to banish the entity, delivering a satisfying arc on reconciliation.

Stellar Cast Delivers Comedic and Creepy Gold

The ensemble shines, with each actor infusing their role with nuance that elevates the script. Brian Cox’s Frank devolves from stern patriarch to demonic force reminiscent of his Succession intensity crossed with The Exorcist‘s menace, creating uproarious yet intimidating scenes. Edie Falco’s Sharon provides emotional grounding, her icy exterior cracking to reveal protective instincts amid the frenzy.

Lisa Kudrow’s Liddy steals comedic moments with her oblivious hippie charm, offering levity through awkward interventions, while Dean Norris’ Cliff grounds the chaos with dad-jokes and pep talks. Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn anchor the romance, their chemistry underscoring themes of partnership under pressure. Parker Posey’s Brenda adds eccentric flavor as the unwitting harbinger of doom.

Behind the Camera: Craft That Amplifies the Absurd

Craig Johnson’s direction draws from horror-comedy greats, infusing campy energy without tipping into parody. The screenplay by Kent Sublette weaves possession as a brilliant stand-in for familial discord, prompting reflections on love across divides. Cinematographer Hillary Fyfe Spera’s visuals capture rural beauty laced with shadows, enhancing the eerie vibe. Nathan Larson’s score toggles tension and whimsy, mirroring the film’s dual nature.

Practical effects keep scares grounded—withered hands, ghostly kids, and a rampaging possessed dog deliver jolts without gore, making it accessible for casual viewers. The ’80s-set origin story nods to classics like Suspiria, blending satire with stylistic flair.

Themes That Hit Home: Family, Identity, and Forgiveness

Beyond the laughs and jumps, The Parenting probes deeper waters. It spotlights LGBTQ+ relationships navigating parental approval, generational clashes between traditional and progressive values, and the horrors of unmet expectations. The demon thrives on discord, symbolizing how unresolved issues haunt us— a poignant nod to real-life parenting woes.

Viewers appreciate its commentary on blending families, where neutral ground becomes a battleground. Heartfelt beats, like cross-parental bonding attempts, underscore unity’s power. Critics note themes can feel overt, yet the simplicity amplifies their impact, turning a fluffy premise into relatable wisdom.

Critical Reception: Divided Yet Discussion-Worthy

Released in 2025 and streaming on Max, the film garners mixed buzz. Rotten Tomatoes highlights its hilarious terror, while some rate it middling (e.g., 5.6 on Douban) for leaning comedy-heavy over depth. Reviews praise its cast chemistry and fun scares but critique underdeveloped subplots and uneven jokes, particularly some LGBTQ+ gags.

• Strengths: Campy charm, strong performances, clever metaphors.
• Criticisms: Predictable beats, rushed emotional arcs.
• Overall: Ideal for lighthearted horror fans seeking family-themed entertainment.

Why Watch The Parenting? Perfect for Modern Audiences

This film resonates in an era of complex family structures, offering catharsis through absurdity. It’s a reminder that even ‘haunted’ dynamics can heal with communication. Stream it for date nights, family viewings (with caveats for mild scares), or solo laughs. Avoid WiFi passwords in creepy rentals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Parenting scary or mostly funny?

Primarily funny with mild scares—no gore, focusing on comedic horror like possessions and ghosts.

Who is the main couple in The Parenting?

Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), whose relationship drives the family merger plot.

Where can I stream The Parenting?

Available on Max as of 2025 releases.

What inspired the film’s haunted house element?

A 400-year-old poltergeist activated by reading a WiFi code, metaphorizing family conflicts.

Is The Parenting suitable for families?

Best for teens and adults; light horror but mature themes on relationships.