A sinister horror comedy praised by viewers as ‘funny and thrilling with a great storyline’ broadcasts on BBC3 this evening, with supporters declaring it ‘genius’.

The Blackening, which debuted in 2021, is a horror comedy featuring seven Black friends who gather for a Juneteenth retreat at an isolated cabin, only to discover themselves ensnared with a murderer who compels them to participate in a lethal game centred on Black culture, challenging who is “the blackest” to survive.

The group must utilise their understanding of horror clichés to outwit the assassin and their own conflicts, with comedic and sinister results.

The narrative unfolds as they discover the killer harbours a personal grudge, culminating in a climactic showdown where they must face their historical and current troubles to make it out alive.

The picture draws from a 2018 viral short film bearing the identical title crafted by comedy collective 3Peat and has captivated audiences, especially regarding the ensemble featuring Dewayne Perkins, Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji.

The movie boasts an outstanding 87 per cent approval rating on film review platform Rotten Tomatoes, alongside numerous glowing reviews, reports the Mirror.

On the platform one viewer said: “I have watched it countless times..funny, thrilling and great storyline. One of my Geaux- To movies without disappointment.”

Another viewer added: “Absolutely brilliant. Perfect script, perfect cast, genius commentary. I have watched this well over a dozen times since gratefully stumbling upon it just a few months ago.

“Can’t get enough of the characters and their dynamics. The director and screenwriter have created the freshest take on this generally overhyped horror genre category (chamber piece, a bunch of friends secluded in the woods, mystery slasher killer, etc).

“Such a powerful grasp on storytelling, comedy, suspense. Praying this becomes a franchise and we get the Blackening 2, 3, 4, 5, and beyond!”.

“I thought this movie was great! So many LOL moments. The cast played so well off of each other. I didn’t expect much from this movie but after seeing it, I’m so glad I gave it a shot!” a third wrote.

Another noted: “”The Blackening” is probably the most fun horror/dark comedy to come out in the last five years.

“Excellent pace, perfectly witty, and using tropes against themselves make this film a wonderful way to giggle through an hour and a half on a slow day. The performances from the ensemble are energetic, each character finding their footing early on and remaining consistent throughout. Blumhouse Productions ought to take note.”

A fifth said: “Really great. Funny and smart and has genuine moments of shock.”

The Blackening airs on Tuesday 20 January on BBC3 at 11.30pm.