In The Parenting (2024), director Craig Johnson offers a fresh, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt take on the horror-comedy genre. Blending domestic awkwardness with vampire lore, the film skewers modern parenting, queer family dynamics, and generational anxiety—all while delivering some sharp scares and a healthy dose of blood.
The story centers on Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), a young gay couple who decide to bring their respective families together for a weekend retreat at a remote country house to announce their engagement. What should be a cozy bonding getaway quickly descends into chaos when they discover the house is already occupied—by an ancient vampire who may or may not be part of their bloodline, in more ways than one.
From the very beginning, The Parenting plays like Meet the Parents crossed with What We Do in the Shadows. The film’s greatest strength is its ensemble cast, which includes Parker Posey, Brian Cox, and Lisa Kudrow, all delivering sharp comedic performances as overly opinionated and emotionally charged parents. Their passive-aggressive remarks and cultural clashes are just as deadly as the actual vampire lurking in the cellar.
The horror elements, while stylized and often played for laughs, are effective and creative. Director Craig Johnson clearly understands the genre, using tension and misdirection smartly, but never allowing the tone to drift too far into pure parody. The balance between comedy and supernatural danger is well-maintained, with just enough gore to keep horror fans entertained and just enough wit to make the whole experience feel clever and breezy.
Underneath the blood and banter, The Parenting actually has something to say. It explores themes of acceptance, generational trauma, and identity, particularly in queer family structures. The vampire becomes more than just a monster—it’s a metaphor for the secrets, traditions, and fears that older generations pass down, often without meaning to.
That said, not every gag lands, and some character arcs feel a bit underdeveloped. The final act, while fun, becomes slightly predictable as it leans on familiar horror tropes. Still, the emotional resolution is satisfying and surprisingly sweet, wrapping up the family drama in a way that feels earned and heartfelt.
The Parenting is a quirky, blood-soaked family reunion that’s as much about generational dysfunction as it is about vampires. Thanks to a witty script, a charismatic cast, and a fresh perspective on horror tropes, it’s one of the most enjoyable horror comedies of the year.
