The Parenting (2025) delivers a fresh twist on the haunted house genre by blending family comedy with supernatural horror. The film follows a young couple who plan a peaceful countryside retreat with their parents, only to discover their rental property is inhabited by a mischievous 400-year-old poltergeist. What begins as awkward family dynamics quickly escalates into supernatural chaos as the ancient spirit begins tormenting all four adults in increasingly creative and terrifying ways.

Director Alex M. manages to balance genuine scares with laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when the poltergeist's antics expose long-hidden family tensions. The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, with the parents' reactions to supernatural phenomena providing some of the film's best comedic moments. The 94-minute runtime keeps the pace brisk, moving smoothly between character-driven humor and well-executed horror sequences.

While the film's 5.7 IMDb rating suggests it won't redefine the genre, The Parenting succeeds as an entertaining hybrid that offers something for both horror and comedy fans. The rural setting creates effective isolation, and the practical effects for the poltergeist manifestations are surprisingly creative. Viewers should watch this film for its unique premise that turns family gathering anxiety into supernatural survival horror, making for a perfect weekend viewing choice when you want scares without taking things too seriously.