The Reading is an American 2023 horror–thriller film written and directed by Courtney Glaudé. The film stars Mo’Nique, Chasity Sereal, Denisha Hardeman and Charnele Brown.

Plot

After a horrible home invasion that takes the majority of the lives of a beautiful family, Emma (Mo’Nique), the sole survivor of the horrific attack, finds ways of getting over her trauma by writing a novel. Later on, in the story, things become a blood bath after Emma receives a reading from young psychic Sky (Chasity Sereal) and her team.

Cast

• Mo’Nique as Emma Leeden
• Chasity Sereal as Sky Brown
• Denisha Hardeman as Jessie
• Ian Haywood as Greg
• Mcauley Teters as Randy
• Lisa Alavi as Ashley Leeden
• Charnele Brown as Oda Brown
• Cooper Helm as
• Matthew Leeden
• Nai Nguyen as Kyren Leeden
• Maudejanei Alero as Kendall Leeden
• Sarah Alavi as Rachel Gates
• Jonathan Algeroy as Johnny
• Will Scott as Mailman
• Courtney Glaude as Homeless Guy
• Kim Davis as Johnny’s Mom
• R.J. Atkins as Bartender
• Kyhle Jamerson as Masked Intruder #1
• TreKessa LeFleur as Masked Intruder #2
• Valerie Tyler as Masked Intruder #3
• Shae Woodard as Masked Intruder #4

Production

Courtney Glaudé directed and produced the film, along with Lee Daniels, who was the executive producer for this feature.

Release

It premiered on BET+ platforms on February 2, 2023.

Reception

Sharai Bohannon of Dread Central wrote,” I think there is a lot of really great stuff in the top half of this script. I just wish that it had carried over more and found a way to coexist with what we got. Also, I think the uneven acting draws attention to some of the design elements that possibly hinder the story from getting the tension it deserves. As messy as it was, I’m happy I saw it. Also, very happy Mo’Nique gave me a character I have longed to see.”