In the heart of Massachusetts, a picturesque yet eerie house becomes the setting for the horror-comedy The Parenting, now streaming on Max. The film features seasoned actors Edie Falco and Brian Cox, who step far outside their usual roles to portray a married couple entangled in a bizarre weekend getaway.
Invited by their gay son to meet his boyfriend’s parents, the couple’s retreat takes an unexpected turn when they discover that the seemingly vacant house is haunted. An ancient demon, seeking a host to possess, targets Cox’s character, leading to a mix of supernatural chaos and dark humor.
For Cox, known for his iconic role as the fierce Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession, The Parenting offers a departure from his usual stoic performances. In this film, Cox embraces a more playful, mischievous persona, even indulging in outrageous antics—such as a scene where his possessed character struts naked into a room and demands, “Look at it!” while pointing to his private parts. This shift provides a lighthearted contrast to the gravitas he typically brings to the screen.
Falco, too, breaks away from her usual roles, delivering a comedic performance as Sharon, a retired psychologist who can’t resist psychoanalyzing everyone around her. Falco relishes the opportunity to explore lighter comedy. “Every time I read the script, I was like, ‘All right, I guess I’m doing this!’” she says. The actress, who is usually known for her more dramatic roles, admits that The Parenting was a refreshing challenge outside her comfort zone. “It was so out of my wheelhouse,” she adds, expressing her gratitude for being cast in such a fun, offbeat project.
The film blends horror with humor, but at its core, it is also a relationship story. “It’s all in the writing,” says Falco. “The relationships evolve in the face of chaos. Ridiculous as it is, people discover who they really are when faced with strange circumstances.”
The ensemble cast also includes Lisa Kudrow, Parker Posey, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, and Dean Norris, all contributing to the film’s comedic atmosphere. Falco reflects on the camaraderie that developed on set, sharing how the team’s late-night giddiness often led to uncontrollable laughter. “There’s no coming back from laughing your head off,” she recalls, emphasizing the lighthearted spirit that prevailed during filming.
One of the most physically demanding scenes for Falco involved using a harness and lift—something she had never done in her nearly 40-year career. She was surprised by how seamlessly the scene came together, thanks to the skilled artisans who worked on the film. “It was impressive,” she notes, acknowledging the expertise behind the action.
Overall, The Parenting offers a wild and unpredictable ride. Falco promises viewers a mix of absurdity, surprise, and genuine fun. “It’s silly, but you might actually jump out of your seat a bit,” she teases, adding, “We had a tremendously good time making it, and we hope that comes through.”
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