Lionsgate’s “The Blackening” is now playing in theaters. This is a comedy-horror film that pokes fun at some of the Black character stereotypes that we have seen in horror movies in the past. In a lot of cases, they have been depicted as an expendable side character that unfortunately is one of the first ones to get killed by whatever is after them.

As of late, we have seen a growth in Black filmmakers like Jordan Peele and others, opening the door for better Black characters in horror films. These films aren’t just being made and forgotten, they are making money and have attracted a wide audience which has allowed the opportunity for more to be made. Films like “Us” and “Get Out” are very well known by all horror fans.

“The Blackening”, thanks to writers Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, as well as director Tim Story, will give you a light-hearted look at Black culture, that shows you that while skin colors may be similar their personalities can be all over the place. Showcasing how diverse a group of friends can be.

ALSO SEE: TIM STORY ON SHOWCASING DIVERSITY WITHIN A CULTURE IN THE BLACKENING | EXCLUSIVE

With the release of “The Blackening” LRM Online‘s Manny Gomez spoke with Tracy Oliver. She is the writer and producer of the film. During our conversation, she shares with us where this idea for the film came from as well as why this was the right time for the film.

We also spoke about her experience in working with a micro-budget and how working with an experienced filmmaker like Story helped guide the film in the right direction. Oliver shares with us how this experience has elevated her confidence in not allowing herself to think that something cannot be done due to restrictions like budgets and times. It was a fantastic conversation that you can watch below!

Here is the synopsis for ‘The Blackening’

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, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.

Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like a Man, Barbershop) and screenplay and screen story by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, Harlem) & Dewayne Perkins (The Amber Ruffin Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), THE BLACKENING skewers genre tropes and poses the sardonic question: if the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?

‘The Blackening‘ is now playing in theaters.