Max’s ‘The Parenting’ Criticized for Weak Horror and Comedy Execution

The new horror-comedy starring Brian Cox and Lisa Kudrow fails to deliver scares or laughs, leaving critics unimpressed.

Critics describe ‘The Parenting’ as a lackluster horror-comedy that struggles to balance humor and scares, with neither aspect landing effectively.
The film follows a family gathering at a haunted rental home where tensions rise and demonic possession ensues, but the plot is criticized for being generic and uninspired.
Performances by the ensemble cast, including Brian Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Edie Falco, are deemed uneven, with some actors struggling to elevate poorly written characters.
Lowbrow humor, including scatological and sexual jokes, dominates the film but is largely ineffective, leaving many comedic moments flat or forced.
The practical effects and horror elements, such as possession and demon makeup, fail to make a significant impact, further diminishing the film’s intended tone.