HBO’s ‘The Parenting’ Blends Queer Romance, Family Tension, and Demonic Chaos

HBO Max’s new horror-comedy, “The Parenting,” delves into the fraught dynamics of introducing partners to parents, amplifying the anxiety with a 400-year-old demon. The film, now streaming, features a gay couple, Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), navigating a weekend getaway with their respective families, a scenario ripe for both humor and horror.

The premise, conceived by writer Kent Sublette, draws inspiration from his own experiences. “It’s loosely based on a trip that my husband and I took with our parents when we first started dating,” Sublette told PRIDE. The film amplifies the inherent stress of such encounters by placing the families in a remote cabin, unbeknownst to them, inhabited by a malevolent entity.

Nik Dodani, Vivian Bang, Lisa Kudrow for ‘The Parenting.’ Photo: Max

“The Parenting” explores universal themes of family dynamics and acceptance, framed within a queer narrative. Dodani, known for his roles in “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Atypical,” resonated with his character’s anxiety over blending his family with Josh’s. “Meeting your partner’s parents is truly one of the most terrifying things in the world, no matter who you are, whether you’re gay or straight or anything in between,” Dodani said. He highlighted the film’s exploration of “the way we turn into teenage versions of ourselves around our parents, or the desperate need for everything to go perfectly.”

Photo: Max

Flynn, of “13 Reasons Why” fame, portrays Josh as a laid-back, unfiltered individual, drawing from his own personality. “I’m just a crass kid from Miami who says whatever, and has no filter,” Flynn shared. He found parallels between his own experiences and Josh’s tendency to speak without thinking, contributing to the film’s comedic tension.

The star-studded cast features Edie Falco and Brian Cox as Rohan’s parents, and Lisa Kudrow and Dean Norris as Josh’s. Vivian Bang joins the ensemble as Sara, the couple’s chosen family member who inserts herself into the weekend. Bang emphasized the importance of chosen families, stating, “Your chosen family are just as pivotal and essential, as your family.” Her character serves as a comedic foil and a source of support for the couple, reflecting the importance of strong friendships.

Norris, known for his role in “Breaking Bad,” portrays Josh’s father, Cliff, with a focus on unconditional acceptance. “He’s very ham-handed, he doesn’t have a filter, he talks a little too much, but the most important thing for me, for that character, was that he [does] love his son [and is] unconditionally and completely accepting of him,” Norris stated. He hopes his portrayal resonates with parents of queer children, highlighting the importance of unwavering support.

Brian Cox, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Lisa Kudrow for ‘The Parenting.’ Photo: Max

While “The Parenting” features comedic elements, including explicit humor, it also delivers heartfelt moments of family connection. The film’s exploration of acceptance and understanding resonates with contemporary audiences, reflecting a growing demand for diverse representation in entertainment.