The Parenting (2025)
The Parenting (2025) – A Unique Blend of Horror, Comedy, and Family Drama That Redefines the Haunted House Genre
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| Theatrical Release Poster |
Quick Information
- Title: The Parenting
- Genre: Horror Comedy
- Director: Craig Johnson
- Writer: Kent Sublette
- Main Cast: Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Parker Posey, Vivian Bang, Lisa Kudrow
- Production: New Line Cinema
- Release Date: March 13, 2025 (Max streaming)
- Runtime: 93 minutes
Introduction
At first glance, The Parenting (2025) might seem like just another haunted house flick. But it quickly becomes clear it’s much more. Blending horror with sharp, often dry comedy, the film explores family dysfunction through a supernatural lens — showing how personal fears, anxieties, and relationships can be scarier than ghosts. This unique tone and the relatable characters make The Parenting stand out among 2025’s releases.
Plot Summary
Rohan and Josh, a young gay couple, are about to host their families together for the first time. Hoping for harmony, they rent a historic countryside home for a weekend retreat where both sides can bond.
Right away, the two families clash. Rohan’s parents are traditional, somewhat conservative, and expect a formal weekend. Josh’s parents are free-spirited and outspoken, making their presence known immediately. The generational and cultural tensions simmer under polite conversation, gradually bubbling into open arguments.
But the house itself holds darker secrets. Strange noises, shadowy figures, flickering lights, and an increasingly malevolent atmosphere force the families to confront both their fractured relationships and supernatural threats.
As the hauntings escalate, so do the conflicts. Amidst ghostly chaos, family members reveal long-hidden grievances, secrets, and fears, making the true horror less about spirits and more about the human condition.
The climax brings everyone to a breaking point — both emotionally and physically. The couple must act as mediators, trying to hold their families together and survive the night.
Characters and Performances
Rohan, portrayed by Nik Dodani, is the more reserved half of the couple, juggling hopes for a perfect family reunion with his anxiety over the rising tensions. Dodani delivers a nuanced performance, balancing humor and vulnerability perfectly.
Josh, played by Brandon Flynn, acts as the mediator, quick-witted and empathetic but also overwhelmed by the weekend’s unraveling. Flynn’s chemistry with Dodani brings warmth to the film’s heart.
Parker Posey as Brenda, the quirky caretaker, injects eccentric charm and comedic relief. Posey’s improvisations shine, especially in lighter moments, contrasting with the darker themes.
Rohan’s parents, led by Lisa Kudrow, embody conservative values clashing with Josh’s family, highlighting generational divides.
Josh’s parents, played by Vivian Bang and Mike, provide outspoken and bold counterpoints, fueling the family drama.
Each actor brings depth to their characters, portraying both relatable flaws and genuine affection within the chaos. The performances keep the audience invested, especially as the horror and comedy blend.
Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About The Parenting
Kent Sublette’s comedy roots shine through in the sharp, witty dialogue throughout the movie — he was a former Saturday Night Live writer, bringing that comedic sensibility to horror.
Filming took place on location in Massachusetts, where the historic homes added natural ambiance, giving the movie a genuine haunted atmosphere that a studio set might lack.
Representation matters here, as the film centers on a same-sex couple trying to blend their families, a positive and refreshing step for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream genre cinema.
Many of Parker Posey’s scenes were partly improvised, giving her character a spontaneous and quirky charm that felt genuine and unique.
Composer Nathan Larson’s score plays a huge role in the film’s feel, shifting effortlessly between eerie tension and whimsical comedy to match the movie’s tonal balance.
Beyond scares and laughs, the film cleverly comments on family expectations, cultural clashes, and the modern challenges couples face in blending families.
Behind the Scenes: Making The Parenting
Craig Johnson approached the movie with a vision of mixing real family tensions with supernatural horror. He and writer Kent Sublette collaborated closely to blend comedy and horror in a way that felt seamless and natural.
Filming in real historic homes helped ground the ghostly elements in reality, while practical effects added tactile realism to the hauntings.
Strong chemistry between the leads Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn was developed during rehearsals, helping the more outlandish family conflicts feel heartfelt and authentic.
Parker Posey’s improvisations brought levity and freshness to the production, often making the set a lively place even during intense scenes.
Nathan Larson’s music was composed early and adapted to reflect the evolving emotional tone of the film.
Deleted Scenes: What You Missed
Some deleted scenes shed light on the filmmakers’ process:
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A longer introduction to Brenda, the caretaker, with a quirky tour of the house and funny mishaps with her dog, was cut to keep pacing tight but revealed more of Posey’s comedic flair.
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An extended dinner scene where family tensions boiled over with longer arguments was removed for pacing but showed raw, intense emotions.
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Additional paranormal events, like a ghost sighting involving Rohan’s mother, were cut to maintain focus on the main storyline rather than side scares.
Release and Reception
Premiering on Max streaming on March 13, 2025, The Parenting immediately caught attention for its unique horror-comedy tone.
Critics praised the smart screenplay, chemistry between leads, and the balance of humor and scares.
Viewers connected deeply with its portrayal of family awkwardness, cultural clashes, and emotional vulnerability.
Though some felt the horror could have been scarier, the film’s warmth and humor left a strong impression.
Ratings: How The Parenting Stands Out
The Parenting performs well across major platforms, earning generally positive scores:
- IMDb rates it around 6.8/10, reflecting solid audience approval.
- Rotten Tomatoes shows about 78% positive audience ratings, highlighting strong viewer engagement.
- Metacritic scores it near 65/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
The film’s charm and unique blend of genres earn it a strong place in 2025’s movie lineup.
Deep Dive: Themes and Symbolism
The film’s haunted house symbolizes inherited family problems—old wounds, unspoken tensions, and cultural divides passed down through generations.
Ghosts represent the emotional baggage characters carry: fears, guilt, disappointments that haunt them more than any spirit.
The clash between families highlights challenges many modern families face—blending traditions and values in a changing world.
The balance between comedy and horror allows audiences to reflect on these themes while still enjoying entertainment.
Cinematography and Visual Style
Cinematographer David McFarland’s work shines through natural lighting and real locations, creating an authentic eerie atmosphere.
Handheld camera shots during family arguments capture raw emotions, while slow, lingering shots during haunting moments build suspense.
Color tones shift between warm family scenes and cold, ghostly blues, visually reinforcing the story’s emotional layers.
Sound Design and Music
Nathan Larson’s score fluidly moves from subtle tension-building to playful whimsy, mirroring the film’s shifting moods.
The sound design incorporates natural creaks, whispers, and silences that heighten suspense and keep viewers immersed in the haunted atmosphere.
Why You Should Watch The Parenting
This film offers a fresh perspective on horror comedy, exploring relatable family dynamics with humor and heart.
It features strong, authentic performances that bring emotional depth to a supernatural setting.
Its cultural and social commentary on modern family challenges adds meaningful layers beyond scares and laughs.
Final Thoughts
The Parenting (2025) is a standout film blending humor, horror, and heartfelt family drama. It’s a movie about real fears—those within ourselves and our families—and how facing them can be scarier and more rewarding than any ghost story.
If you want detailed reviews and the latest movie insights, keep exploring trusted movie sites and follow up on The Parenting’s growing fanbase.
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