Podcast Summary: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present

Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #13 – “The Blackening”

Release Date: October 19, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes

Episode Overview

In this episode, Amy and TJ continue their “Horror Hit List” and spotlight entry #13: The Blackening (2023). They dive deep into the film’s unique blend of comedy and horror, its sharp cultural commentary, and why it stands out among the genre. The conversation explores the movie’s satirical approach to Black identity in horror films, how well it balances suspense with laughter, and its impact both for Black audiences and viewers from other backgrounds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Premise and Cultural Impact

• T.J. Holmes sets the tone by referencing the trope: “It is widely understood that in any horror movie, the first person to die is the black person. Yes, but what if a horror movie has an all black cast? Well, can't kill us all.” (02:51)
• The film leans into—and subverts—racial horror tropes by questioning who dies first if everyone is Black.
• The Blackening stands out for its comedic embrace of Blackness and honest representation of Black friendship and cultural nuances.

2. Cultural References & Watching Experience

• Amy Robach suggests: “If you have friends who are black and you are white and you are listening to this, please watch it in a mixed setting, like a mixed group, because you'll understand things in a different way.” (03:53)
• The hosts encourage group viewings, noting layered humor and cultural specificity make the experience richer with a diverse audience.
• Repeated references to how some jokes are “for us” but still widely accessible and funny.

3. Film Synopsis and Creative Team

• Amy Robach: The Blackening centers around a group of black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway… only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer forced to play by his rules. (07:09)
• Highlights from the creative team: Directed by Tim Story (Barbershop, Ride Along), co-written by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip) and Dewayne Perkins (whose short skit inspired the film).

4. Notable Scenes & Humor

• The ongoing joke in the film is the group arguing over “who the blackest is among them,” like the character who shouts, “I’m not the blackest. I’m married to a white woman!”—which everyone agrees does not help his case. (21:47)
• T.J. calls out the scene where someone tries to prove they’re less Black: “Somebody else: I voted for Trump twice. Yes. That might be the funniest scene.” (04:58)
• References to other “Black moments,” such as the Kool-Aid scene, which the hosts agree might go over some viewers’ heads but are hilarious if you know.

5. Critical & Audience Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes critical score: 87% | Audience: 85% (09:52)
• Hosts note: Critics found it could be “a little funnier and quite a bit scarier,” but Amy contends: “I thought it was pretty damn funny.” (10:28)
• Positive review: “The Blackening was hilarious. It's rare to have a comedy that has so many fresh and upcoming faces where the ensemble is kinetic, hilarious, engaging, and so talented.” (11:25)
• Self-aware comedy is a key appeal: they embrace Black culture and “go there”—with humor that feels both fresh and genuine.
• Some negative audience reviews are dissected, with TJ and Amy suggesting that some critics simply “didn't get” the cultural references or intended audience. (13:17, 14:17)

6. Who Is the Movie For? Who Is It Not For?

• T.J.: “Black people. Absolutely. This is for black folks. And I appreciate it being that way. And I think it's for anybody who wants just a little window if you want a little insight into black friendship, actually into black problem solving, into really black culture and how we view other parts of culture.” (22:26)
• The film gives a window into authentic social dynamics and lets Black characters be “the normalcy of this group.”
• Not for: “If you're racist, this ain't for you... If you got any racist tendencies in the least bit, this is not for you. If you've been texting with young Republicans over the past seven months, this is not your movie.” (24:00)
• Amy: “Art is made for different or in the lens or through the lens of different cultures. And that's actually a really cool thing to be able to witness, watch, and learn from and enjoy.” (15:31)

7. Pairing Suggestions: Food & Drink

• T.J. jokingly suggests “Kool Aid” for the night, referencing one of the film’s running jokes; Amy proposes a “cookout kind of atmosphere.” (25:09)
• The film feels like a party movie—meant for big groups, barbecues, shots, and fun with friends. (25:41, 26:30)

8. Personal Reactions and Group Viewing

• The hosts have watched the movie many times, even with Amy’s parents, remarking on how enjoyable it was across generations and backgrounds. (09:15—09:49)
• “My dad was literally laughing out loud.” – Amy (09:49)
• Big recommendation to watch with a crowd, as “you're all going to be arguing about what you would do and which character are you.” (10:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “They lean in to the blackness in this movie. It is number 13 on our list and it is called the Blackening. And it was Rhodes a part of the posters they used when they were promoting this movie. The movie posters said we can't all die first. I mean that's… That really is the case.” – T.J. Holmes (04:11)
• “It's rare that a horror movie actually has you laughing out loud. And that for me, this is singular in that ability to do that.” – Amy Robach (21:09)
• “You have to get a group together because you're all going to be arguing about what you would do and which one of the group is in your group or which character are you and that kind of a thing.” – T.J. Holmes (10:53)
• “I think a lot of folks don't get to see good, college educated, successful, normal black folks just doing their thing. Friends, right? Everybody got to see that. This is… This is friends in the middle of a horror movie.” – T.J. Holmes (22:48)
• “It doesn't have to be about white people for white people... even the writer of that review couldn't recognize their own limitations that they put on themselves.” – Amy Robach (15:31)

Important Timestamps

• 02:51 – Intro to the Blackening and the starting joke about dying first
• 03:53 – Amy’s advice to watch in a diverse group
• 04:11 – “Can’t all die first” movie poster and cultural promotion
• 07:09 – Film synopsis and team
• 09:15 – Watching with parents, generational and cross-cultural reaction
• 10:28–10:53 – Critics’ consensus and group-watching recommendation
• 13:17–14:17 – Negative reviews and cultural misunderstanding
• 21:09–22:48 – Why it made their list, who it's for
• 24:00 – Who the movie is not for
• 25:09–26:11 – Food/drink pairings and party viewing suggestion

Episode Mood & Tone

Lighthearted, playful, and deeply appreciative of The Blackening’s place in modern horror. The hosts maintain a conversational tone with plenty of back-and-forth humor, personal anecdotes, and cultural insights. They invite all listeners to enjoy the film, but particularly stress the value it has as a cultural mirror—and a riotously funny one.

Summary for the Curious:
The Blackening is a uniquely self-aware, laugh-out-loud horror comedy that both celebrates and satirizes Black culture and horror genre clichés. It shines brightest with a group audience, especially one diverse enough to share and learn from its many cultural references. While not the most terrifying, it’s an outstanding example of bold, witty filmmaking and honest representation—satisfying fans of comedy, horror, and social satire alike.