The Parenting (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Horror comedies are tricky—balancing scares with laughs is an art form. The Parenting (2025) aims to do just that, blending family awkwardness with supernatural hijinks. Directed by Craig Johnson and written by Saturday Night Live alum Kent Sublette, this film brings a stellar cast, including Lisa Kudrow, Parker Posey, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, and Brian Cox. But does the movie deliver a satisfying mix of humor and horror, or does it fall flat? Let’s dive into a deep, review of The Parenting—without spoilers!
Plot Overview
Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn) plan a countryside weekend getaway to introduce their parents to each other. Rohan’s parents, Frank (Brian Cox) and Sharon (Edie Falco), are more traditional, while Josh’s parents, Liddy (Lisa Kudrow) and Cliff (Dean Norris), are more laid-back. However, what should be a simple meet-the-parents trip takes a supernatural turn when the group realizes their rental house is haunted by a 400-year-old poltergeist.
As family tensions rise, so do eerie occurrences—objects move on their own, shadowy figures lurk in corners, and Frank begins behaving strangely after a disturbing nighttime encounter. When the ghost’s true nature is revealed, the families must work together to survive the weekend from hell.
What Works in The Parenting
1. The Cast is Fantastic
The movie shines thanks to its seasoned actors. Brian Cox is an absolute scene-stealer, fully committing to the chaos—whether he’s projectile vomiting, walking into a room naked after being possessed, or delivering sarcastic one-liners. Lisa Kudrow and Parker Posey bring their signature comedic charm, while Edie Falco and Dean Norris ground the film with more subtle performances.
2. A Clever Blend of Horror and Comedy
While the movie leans more into comedy than horror, it excels when it embraces absurdity. Fans of Saturday Night Live will recognize the sketch-like humor, with standout moments including a character unknowingly consuming way too many weed gummies and a possessed Brian Cox delivering an unsettling monologue about his father.
3. Fun, Campy Horror Elements
Though not genuinely scary, The Parenting includes classic haunted house tropes done in a humorous way. There are creepy dolls, mysterious noises, and unexpected jump scares—though these moments often lead to punchlines rather than terror.
What Doesn’t Work in The Parenting
1. A Weak Horror Payoff
The movie builds up tension but rarely delivers any real scares. If you’re expecting a horror-comedy that genuinely frightens, this isn’t it. The ghost’s backstory is intriguing but not explored deeply enough to be memorable.
2. Pacing Issues
The first act is strong, setting up character dynamics well, but the movie loses steam midway. Some comedic bits go on too long, and the horror elements could have been executed with more creativity. By the time the film reaches its climax, it feels rushed, wrapping up too quickly.
3. The Script Feels Like a Missed Opportunity
With a cast this talented, The Parenting could have been an instant classic. However, the script feels uneven—some jokes land perfectly, while others feel forced. The horror elements, though fun, never reach their full potential.
Where to Watch The Parenting Online
The Parenting (2025) is available for streaming on Max. You can watch it by visiting Max’s official site.
Rental & Purchase Options (U.S.)
If you prefer to rent or buy, The Parenting is available on:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rent/Buy)
- Apple TV (Rent/Buy)
Availability may vary based on your location, so check your preferred platform for pricing and rental duration.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Parenting?
If you’re looking for a horror comedy that delivers genuine scares, The Parenting might not satisfy you. However, if you enjoy goofy, absurd humor with a fantastic cast, it’s worth a watch. It’s not the next Shaun of the Dead, but it’s a fun, easy 90-minute watch with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Looking for a lighthearted horror comedy with a fantastic cast? The Parenting might be just what you need! Stream it now on Max or rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Google Play. Let us know in the comments—did this spooky comedy make you laugh?
