I Finally Watched The Blackening And Really Want To Talk About This One Character

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As a connoisseur of horror films with a black theme, I’m familiar with the recurring comic trope where black characters often meet an untimely demise early in these movies. However, by 2025, there have been numerous engaging black-focused horror productions, although their frequency has taken Hollywood some time to achieve. Regrettably, we could always use more. It’s refreshingly inventive that the writers of The Blackening , Dewayne Perkins and Tracy Oliver, chose to explore this theme in a humorous horror-comedy setting. In this film, a group of black friends convene for a Juneteenth celebration, which serves as the backdrop for the chilling events that unfold.

Unexpectedly, they find themselves participating in a game that scrutinizes their Black culture and knowledge. In the film titled The Blackening, a myriad of eccentric and amusing characters are presented. Yet, the most intriguing figure is the murderer in this movie, whose reasons for the crimes spark numerous thought-provoking concepts, even within the comedic backdrop.

Warning: The Blackening spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

I Thought The Blackening’s Killerā€™s Motives Were Fascinating

The characters Allison, King, Shanika, Dewayne, Lisa, and Nnamdi discover that Clifton isn’t actually deceased. In fact, he has masterminded all the events as a means of retribution against the group, for past actions inflicted upon him long ago.

Due to the teasing he received from his friends about losing a game of Spades, which also involved questioning his identity, Clifton’s self-esteem took a hit. This led him down a path of insecurity, culminating in a tragic incident where he was intoxicated and caused a fatal car accident.

In my experience within the Black community, discussing our racial identity can often feel delicate. There are moments when not fitting every stereotype or adhering to all aspects of what’s deemed “Black culture” may leave one feeling as though they’ve misplaced their unspoken badge of belonging.

This phrase is often used humorously within the Black community, yet it carries a more serious implication. For instance, Clifton had long felt he didn’t quite fit the stereotype due to his hobbies and demeanor. This recent humiliation further fueled his feelings of inadequacy, ultimately becoming overwhelming for him.

In the vein of renowned horror-comedy films, Clifton’s narrative possesses a comical edge alongside echoes of terrifying cinematic classics. Similar to how classic horror movie antagonists are often driven by physical or emotional wounds inflicted upon them, The Blackening demonstrates the devastating impact of challenging someone’s racial identity.

His Motives Also Start An Important Conversation About Blackness And The Harmful Ways It Can Be Discussed

As a movie-goer reflecting on the character Clifton, I found myself empathizing with his struggles, despite their over-the-top portrayal. Growing up, I too grappled with questions about my Black identity, feeling alienated due to reasons that made me doubt my belonging within the Black community. Though these experiences didn’t leave lasting psychological scars, they did stir feelings of inadequacy and confusion regarding whether I had fully embraced my Blackness during those times. I often pondered if I was not engaging enough with Black culture, questioning my commitment to my identity.

As time passes, people tend to grow more self-assured. I’ve come to know myself and feel very at ease with my blackness, but someone as young as Clifton in college might not have reached that level of confidence in their identity yet. Consequently, an apparently small incident like losing his ‘Black card’ could have significantly influenced his personal growth.

It’s unlikely that many people find profound life lessons within “The Blackening.” However, I think it carries an essential message. The concept of blackness doesn’t require explanation or definition.

In my opinion, being true to oneself, like a black screen, should never be tainted by the projections or biases of others. A person’s identity should always shine brightly and authentically, unmarred by external definitions. That’s what I took away from this powerful piece.

Clifton’s tale serves as one of the numerous humorous elements in “The Blackening,” yet it carries a thought-provoking lesson: never undermine someone due to their not meeting a restrictive interpretation of Blackness or acting within the confines of typical Black behavior.

Cliftonā€™s Motives Made Me Like The Other Blackening Characters Less

In “The Blackening,” the ensemble of skilled actors and humorists deliver captivating performances that left me oddly disliking them despite their entertaining characters. These characters might not be particularly lovable, but I believe it’s intentional. Given the life-threatening circumstances they find themselves in, their harsher and more ruthless traits become more pronounced, showcasing a survival of the fittest mentality.

As you delve deeper into the story, these characters appear less likable as they relentlessly torment Clifton to the brink of his breaking point. Upon entering The Blackening, Clifton is met with hostility. The other characters may put up with him, but their dislike for him intensifies.

He’s similar to characters like Carlton Banks or Steve Urkel, but his behavior is even more grating and troublesome. He’s a nuisance that escalates problems rather than resolving them. In the end, the group decides to get rid of him as a means of protecting everyone else. However, his race becomes a topic of discussion again in this context.

Or:

He reminds one of characters such as Carlton Banks or Steve Urkel, but his annoying and problematic actions are taken to an extreme level. He’s more of a hindrance than a help, causing issues rather than solving them. In the end, the group decides it’s necessary to part ways with him for everyone else’s safety. Regrettably, his ethnicity is brought into question once more in this situation.

In “The Blackening,” humor is used to critique Clifton’s character by depicting his demise due to being perceived as the least culturally connected among the group. The story suggests that Clifton brings harm to his people through actions contrary to their interests or by willfully ignoring his cultural heritage. Despite his unlikable nature, he is subjected to harsh criticism from others, which underscores the potential for hostility within this college-aged group. Although we witness instances of their past harmful interactions in “The Blackening,” it appears that they have evolved and grown since their college years.

But, I Still Didnā€™t Support Clifton Because Of His Overall Personality

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself identifying with Clifton, yet I can’t help but loathe the character. He’s incredibly grating and his actions are downright irritating. His decisions, moreover, reveal him to be despicable, making it hard not to wish for his demise. Despite understanding why he acts as he does, I can’t bring myself to support or condone his motives. The fact that he uses racial slurs as a pretext for violent retaliation is unforgivable and unacceptable in any context.

Beyond that, it’s important to note he makes his own decisions about drinking and driving. He is solely responsible for his actions. Given his reprehensible behavior, I find myself applauding when he meets his end. It’s not just because he pays the price for his deplorable actions throughout the movie, but also for his attempts to harm others and generally being an annoying character in “The Blackening.” His death might be one of the most gratifying cinematic deaths.

I Think Clifton’s Story Is A Prime Example Of Why The Blackening Has Sharp Social And Pop Culture Commentary

I’m delighted I caught up with “The Blackening” this year, as it’s clear to see why it’s hailed as one of the top comedies of 2023. This film is an entertaining blend of horror and comedy that skillfully honors the genre while maintaining a distinctive flavor. What truly captivated me was its incisive social commentary. The exploration of black identity, which is central to the narrative, delves into a myriad of other relevant issues such as homophobia within the Black community, racism, colorism, and more. These themes resonate deeply with a Black audience, offering insights and perspectives that are both relatable and enlightening.

As a pop culture enthusiast with a keen interest in Black culture, The Blackening resonated deeply with me. It skillfully incorporated nods to genres such as Black sitcoms, horror films, and even references to Black social media platforms like Black Twitter. In essence, it exuded an authenticity that suggested it was crafted by and for the Black community. I’d be more than happy to watch a follow-up or two.

Stream The Blackening on Peacock.

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2025-07-23 00:10