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Exploring the upcoming horror film where meeting the in-laws takes a terrifying supernatural turn.
The horror genre continually finds new ways to tap into universal anxieties, and few situations are as universally fraught with tension as meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time. In 2025, a new film titled The Parenting promises to elevate this common social ordeal into a full-blown supernatural nightmare. This upcoming horror feature, directed by Craig Johnson and written by Kent Sublette, takes a seemingly innocuous weekend getaway and twists it into a terrifying encounter with an ancient entity.
The Parenting is poised to deliver a unique blend of domestic drama and spectral terror, exploring how the pressures of family introductions can be amplified to catastrophic levels when a 400-year-old poltergeist decides to join the gathering. With a compelling premise and a notable ensemble cast, the film aims to carve out its own niche in the crowded horror landscape, offering audiences a fresh perspective on what it means to truly be haunted by your past – or, in this case, by the very house you’re trying to make a good impression in.
As we delve into the details of The Parenting, we’ll explore its intriguing plot, the talent bringing its characters to life, the production insights, and what early indicators suggest about its potential impact. This article serves as a comprehensive overview for anyone eager to understand the chilling dynamics at play in this highly anticipated horror release.
Short summary (non-spoiler)
The Parenting is an upcoming horror film set to release in 2025, centering on boyfriends Josh and Rohan. Their plans for a pleasant weekend getaway, intended to introduce their respective parents, take a sinister turn when they discover their rental accommodation is inhabited by a 400-year-old poltergeist. What begins as a stressful but ordinary family meeting quickly escalates into a battle against an ancient supernatural force, transforming a potentially awkward social event into a fight for survival against an unseen, malevolent entity.
Plot synopsis
Spoilers
The narrative of The Parenting unfolds as boyfriends Josh and Rohan embark on a pivotal weekend. Their objective is to facilitate a crucial meeting: introducing their parents to each other. This event, designed to foster familial bonds and acceptance, is meticulously planned as a getaway at a rental property. However, the idyllic setting quickly unravels as the couple and their families uncover a horrifying truth about their temporary home. The rental is not merely a place for a family gathering; it is the domain of a 400-year-old poltergeist. This ancient entity transforms the intended pleasantries and nervous introductions into a harrowing ordeal, forcing everyone present to confront a supernatural threat that predates their own family histories by centuries. The film thus explores the collision of modern family dynamics with a deeply rooted, malevolent haunting, where the challenge of parental approval is overshadowed by the immediate danger posed by a powerful, centuries-old spirit.
Cast & key crew
The Parenting boasts an impressive lineup of talent, both in front of and behind the camera, promising a compelling and well-executed horror experience. The film brings together a mix of established veterans and rising stars, suggesting a rich tapestry of performances.
Key Cast Members:
- Brandon Flynn as Josh
- Nik Dodani as Rohan
- Brian Cox as Frank
- Edie Falco as Sharon
- Lisa Kudrow as Liddy
- Dean Norris as Cliff
- Vivian Bang as Sara
- Parker Posey as Brenda
- Kate Avallone as Donna
- Elle Kaye as Zombie Donna
This ensemble cast brings a wealth of experience across various genres, from drama to comedy, which could lend unique depth and perhaps unexpected tonal shifts to the horror narrative of The Parenting. The presence of actors known for their dramatic prowess, such as Brian Cox and Edie Falco, alongside comedic talents like Lisa Kudrow and Parker Posey, suggests a film that might navigate the fine line between genuine scares and moments of dark humor or intense character interaction.
Key Crew Members:
- Director: Craig Johnson
- Writer: Kent Sublette
- Producers: Jake Weiner, Chris Bender
At the helm is director Craig Johnson, guiding the vision of the film. The screenplay, penned by Kent Sublette, is the foundation upon which this supernatural family drama is built. Producers Jake Weiner and Chris Bender are instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, overseeing the complex process of film production. Their collective expertise aims to ensure that The Parenting delivers on its promise of a unique and terrifying cinematic experience.
Production & trivia
The journey of bringing The Parenting to the screen involves several notable production details that offer insight into the film’s development and potential character. Produced by Good Fear and New Line Cinema, the film benefits from the backing of established entities within the industry, particularly New Line Cinema, which has a long-standing reputation for producing successful horror titles.
One of the most striking pieces of information regarding The Parenting is its reported budget: $0. While this figure might seem unusual for a feature film, it often indicates a specific type of production strategy. It could suggest a highly efficient, independent production model, or perhaps a scenario where the film was developed and shot under unique circumstances, potentially leveraging existing resources or a highly collaborative, low-cost approach. This aspect alone makes The Parenting a fascinating case study in modern filmmaking, demonstrating that compelling stories can be told without massive financial outlays. A zero-dollar budget often necessitates immense creativity and resourcefulness from the cast and crew, potentially leading to a raw and impactful final product.
The film has a runtime of 94 minutes, a standard length for a horror feature. This duration allows for sufficient character development and plot progression without overstaying its welcome, maintaining a brisk pace that is often crucial for effective horror storytelling. A runtime just shy of an hour and a half suggests a focused narrative, designed to build tension and deliver scares efficiently.
The collaboration between Good Fear and New Line Cinema for The Parenting is also noteworthy. New Line Cinema, often dubbed “The House That Freddy Built” due to its success with the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, brings a legacy of horror expertise to the table. This partnership could indicate a strategic move to produce a horror film that is both commercially viable and creatively distinct, especially given the intriguing premise and the reported budget. The involvement of such a prominent studio, even with a $0 budget, speaks to the perceived strength of the script and the vision behind the project.
The production of The Parenting, with its unique financial structure and backing from reputable studios, sets the stage for a film that could defy expectations and offer a fresh take on the haunted house subgenre, infused with contemporary family dynamics.
Analysis
The Parenting presents a compelling premise that skillfully intertwines the anxieties of modern relationships and family introductions with the timeless terror of the supernatural. At its core, the film taps into a universal human experience: the desire for acceptance and the inherent stress of bringing two families together. This foundational tension is then dramatically escalated by the introduction of a 400-year-old poltergeist, transforming a potentially awkward weekend into a fight for survival.
The central conflict of Josh and Rohan introducing their parents provides a rich psychological backdrop for the horror. Meeting the in-laws is often a performance, a delicate dance of impressions and expectations. The film’s synopsis suggests that this already fragile social construct is violently disrupted by an ancient entity. This juxtaposition allows The Parenting to explore themes of vulnerability, the fragility of social facades, and how external pressures can expose deeper, perhaps unspoken, family tensions. The poltergeist, being 400 years old, implies a deep-seated malevolence or a history tied to the very location, suggesting that the haunting is not random but perhaps rooted in centuries of unresolved conflict or tragedy, which could mirror or amplify the contemporary family’s own unresolved issues.
The choice of a poltergeist as the antagonist is particularly effective for this narrative. Poltergeists are known for their disruptive, often violent, and psychologically tormenting manifestations, which can include moving objects, making noises, and even physical assaults. This type of entity thrives on chaos and emotional energy, making a family gathering—especially one fraught with the stress of first impressions—an ideal environment for its activity. The poltergeist could exploit existing anxieties, fears, and unspoken resentments between the characters, turning their own emotional vulnerabilities against them. This allows the horror to be both external (the physical manifestations) and internal (the psychological torment and breakdown of family unity).
Furthermore, the film’s title, The Parenting, itself offers a layer of interpretive depth. Beyond the obvious reference to the parents involved in the introduction, it could subtly hint at the “parenting” or nurturing of fear by the poltergeist, or even the idea of the ancient entity itself acting as a malevolent “parent” figure, asserting its dominance over the human inhabitants. The title could also allude to the challenges and responsibilities of “parenting” a relationship through difficult stages, or the protective instincts that emerge when loved ones are threatened.
The casting of a diverse and experienced ensemble, including actors known for both dramatic and comedic roles, suggests that The Parenting might not be a straightforward jump-scare fest. Instead, it could lean into character-driven horror, where the terror arises from the breakdown of relationships under extreme duress, punctuated by supernatural frights. The blend of talent could allow for nuanced performances that ground the fantastical elements in relatable human emotion, making the horror more impactful. The film has the potential to explore how individuals and families cope when their carefully constructed realities are shattered by an inexplicable, ancient evil, forcing them to confront not only the poltergeist but also their own relationships and fears.
In essence, The Parenting appears to be a horror film that leverages a familiar social scenario to create a deeply unsettling experience. By injecting a 400-year-old poltergeist into a weekend of parental introductions, the film promises to deliver a narrative rich in both psychological tension and supernatural dread, exploring the terrifying consequences when family ties are tested by forces beyond human comprehension.
Notable scenes & Easter eggs
Specific details regarding notable scenes or hidden Easter eggs within The Parenting are limited based on available information, as the film is slated for release in 2025 and detailed plot points beyond the synopsis have not been widely disclosed. However, based on the core premise, one can infer the types of scenes that would likely stand out and contribute to the film’s horror and dramatic impact.
Given the presence of a 400-year-old poltergeist, it is highly probable that the film will feature intense and escalating supernatural manifestations. These could include classic poltergeist activity such as objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, sudden temperature drops, and perhaps more aggressive physical interactions. Scenes depicting the initial, subtle signs of the haunting, gradually building to full-blown chaos during the family’s attempt at a pleasant introduction, would undoubtedly be central to the film’s tension. The moments where the poltergeist directly interferes with the delicate social dynamics of the family meeting—perhaps by disrupting a meal, sabotaging a conversation, or isolating characters—would be particularly memorable, blending social horror with supernatural terror.
The interaction between the various family members and the poltergeist would also be key. Scenes where the parents, Josh and Rohan, and their respective families react to the escalating terror, potentially blaming each other or struggling to comprehend the supernatural events, could provide significant dramatic weight. The film’s synopsis mentions “Elle Kaye as Zombie Donna,” which strongly suggests a scene involving a character’s transformation or a particularly gruesome manifestation of the poltergeist’s power, potentially leading to a memorable and terrifying sequence.
As for Easter eggs, without specific production or script details, it is impossible to identify any at this stage. However, horror films often include subtle nods to genre classics, historical events, or even inside jokes related to the production. Audiences will need to watch The Parenting upon its release to discover any such hidden details that the filmmakers might have woven into the narrative or visual design.
Reception & box office
As The Parenting is scheduled for release in 2025, comprehensive box office figures and critical reception are not yet available. However, early indicators from IMDb provide a preliminary glimpse into audience interest and initial sentiment.
The film currently holds an IMDb rating of 6.01/10, based on 146 votes. This early rating, while subject to significant change as more viewers engage with the film, suggests a moderately positive initial reaction from a small sample of the audience. A rating above 6.0 often indicates that the film has resonated positively with at least a portion of its early viewers, finding some appreciation for its premise or execution.
Additionally, The Parenting has a popularity score of 2.992. Popularity scores on platforms like IMDb are dynamic and reflect how frequently a title is searched for, viewed, and interacted with by users. A score of 2.992, while not indicating viral popularity at this pre-release stage, suggests a baseline level of interest and awareness among film enthusiasts. This could be attributed to the intriguing premise, the notable cast, or early promotional efforts.
It is crucial to emphasize that these figures represent very early data points. The true measure of The Parenting‘s success, both critically and commercially, will become clear only after its official release in 2025, when it has been widely viewed by critics and the general public. Box office performance will depend on various factors, including marketing, release strategy, and audience word-of-mouth. Similarly, critical consensus will form as reviews from major publications and film critics emerge. These early numbers, however, do provide a foundation for anticipation and suggest that the film has already captured some attention within the film community.
Where to watch?
Further reading/filmography suggestions
For those intrigued by the premise of The Parenting and its blend of family drama with supernatural horror, exploring the works of its key creative talents can offer a deeper appreciation and context. While specific filmographies are not provided, we can focus on the individuals named:
- Craig Johnson (Director): Fans of The Parenting might be interested in exploring other directorial efforts by Craig Johnson to understand his stylistic approach, thematic interests, and how he handles narrative and character development. His previous projects could offer insights into his vision for horror or character-driven storytelling.
- Kent Sublette (Writer): Delving into other screenplays written by Kent Sublette would provide a window into his writing style, his ability to craft compelling dialogue, and his approach to genre storytelling. Understanding his past work can illuminate the narrative foundations of The Parenting.
Beyond individual filmographies, the themes present in The Parenting—such as haunted houses, family gatherings gone wrong, and the integration of LGBTQ+ themes within horror—are rich areas for further exploration within the genre. Films that explore the psychological impact of a haunting on a family unit, or those that use supernatural elements to expose underlying domestic tensions, would be relevant for viewers who appreciate the unique blend offered by this film.
Conclusion
The Parenting emerges as a highly anticipated horror film for 2025, promising a fresh and terrifying take on the classic haunted house narrative, cleverly interwoven with the relatable anxieties of modern family dynamics. By pitting boyfriends Josh and Rohan, along with their respective parents, against a 400-year-old poltergeist during a crucial weekend getaway, the film sets the stage for a unique blend of social tension and supernatural dread. The impressive ensemble cast, featuring a mix of seasoned dramatic and comedic talents, suggests a film rich in character and nuanced performances, capable of exploring the psychological toll of such an ordeal.
The production details, particularly the reported $0 budget and the backing of New Line Cinema, highlight a project that is both ambitious and resourceful, hinting at a creative approach to horror filmmaking. While early reception metrics are limited, they indicate a nascent interest and a moderately positive initial impression, building anticipation for its full release. As we await The Parenting‘s debut, it stands as a testament to the horror genre’s enduring ability to innovate, taking universal human experiences and twisting them into compelling, terrifying cinematic journeys. This film is poised to offer audiences a memorable and chilling exploration of what happens when the most personal of introductions becomes the most terrifying of encounters.