---
When it comes to the horror genre, Hereditary (2018) is like a cold, jagged knife to the gut—a film that carves its way into the deepest corners of our psyches, all while maintaining an unsettling, almost clinical calm. Directed by Ari Aster, this unsettling tale of familial horror, psychological turmoil, and supernatural dread has become a modern classic, proving that horror can be both profoundly unsettling and remarkably introspective. With its intricate layers of meaning and its chilling portrayal of family dynamics, Hereditary offers more than just scares; it provides a harrowing exploration of grief, secrets, and the dark legacies we inherit.
Plot Overview: Family Secrets Unveiled
The Setup: The film introduces us to the Graham family, who are grappling with the recent death of their secretive grandmother, Ellen. The patriarch, Steve (Gabriel Byrne), the anxious mother Annie (Toni Collette), the disaffected teenage daughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro), and the brooding son Peter (Alex Wolff) are each haunted by their own burdens. Annie, an artist, finds herself compelled to explore her family’s dark past through her art, leading her to uncover disturbing truths about her mother’s life and death.
The Conflict: As Annie dives deeper into her mother’s history, she discovers that Ellen was involved in occult practices, and it soon becomes clear that the family’s woes are not merely the result of a troubled inheritance but the consequence of malevolent forces at play. As supernatural events spiral out of control, the Grahams find themselves engulfed in a nightmarish struggle that pits them against forces beyond their understanding, testing their bonds and their sanity.
Themes and Symbolism: The Burden of Legacy
Family and Inheritance: Hereditary explores the idea of inheritance on multiple levels—both tangible and intangible. The film delves into the psychological inheritance that families pass down through generations, including trauma, secrets, and dysfunctional patterns. The word “hereditary” itself implies not just the passing down of material possessions but the more sinister transmission of psychological and emotional burdens. The Graham family’s descent into chaos is a stark portrayal of how past sins and unresolved issues can haunt and shape future generations.
Grief and Trauma: The film is a profound exploration of grief, particularly how it manifests and consumes those left behind. Annie’s struggle with her mother’s death and the unraveling of her family’s dark secrets serve as a metaphor for the uncontrollable nature of trauma and loss. The way each character deals with grief reflects their deeper emotional turmoil and unresolved issues, making their eventual unraveling all the more tragic.
The Supernatural as Metaphor: The supernatural elements in Hereditary are not just about frightening imagery but also serve as metaphors for the internal horror of the characters. The malevolent forces at work symbolize the darker aspects of human nature and the terrifying consequences of ignoring or denying them. The eerie rituals and disturbing visions are manifestations of the characters’ inner demons and unresolved fears, adding a layer of depth to the horror that extends beyond the physical realm.
The Cast: A Masterclass in Disturbing Performances
Toni Collette as Annie Graham: Toni Collette’s performance as Annie is a tour de force of emotional depth and psychological complexity. Collette brings an intense and raw portrayal of a mother grappling with grief, guilt, and growing madness. Her ability to convey the devastating impact of loss and the horror of her own unraveling is both mesmerizing and haunting. Collette’s performance anchors the film, providing a powerful emotional core that makes the supernatural elements even more chilling.
Alex Wolff as Peter Graham: Alex Wolff’s portrayal of Peter, the teenage son, is equally compelling. Wolff captures the character’s growing sense of dread and confusion with a remarkable authenticity. His performance reflects the internal chaos and fear that intensify as the supernatural events escalate. Wolff’s ability to convey vulnerability and desperation adds a layer of relatability to the character, making his plight all the more affecting.
Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham: Milly Shapiro’s performance as Charlie is both unsettling and poignant. Shapiro’s portrayal of the eccentric and troubled Charlie brings a sense of eerie innocence to the film. Her character’s unusual behavior and haunting presence add to the film’s atmosphere of dread. Shapiro’s performance contributes to the film’s ability to evoke a deep sense of unease and foreboding.
Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham: Gabriel Byrne’s portrayal of Steve, the well-meaning but emotionally distant father, provides a grounding presence amidst the chaos. Byrne captures Steve’s struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy and his helplessness in the face of the supernatural events. His performance adds a layer of realism to the film, highlighting the emotional strain placed on the family.
Cinematic Craftsmanship: A Haunting Visual and Auditory Experience
Direction and Cinematography: Ari Aster’s direction is a masterful blend of atmospheric tension and psychological horror. The film’s use of slow, deliberate camera movements and unsettlingly composed shots creates a sense of creeping dread. Aster’s ability to build tension through visual storytelling enhances the film’s unsettling atmosphere, making every scene feel fraught with menace.
Sound Design and Score: The sound design and score of Hereditary play a crucial role in amplifying the film’s sense of dread. The haunting and discordant score, composed by Colin Stetson, creates an auditory landscape that is as unsettling as the visual elements. The use of unsettling sound effects, such as eerie whispers and ominous noises, heightens the film’s atmosphere and contributes to its emotional impact.
Special Effects: The film’s special effects are used sparingly but effectively to enhance the supernatural elements. The practical effects, combined with subtle CGI, create disturbing and memorable imagery without overshadowing the film’s psychological horror. The restraint in the use of effects adds to the film’s sense of realism, making the supernatural occurrences feel all the more unsettling.
Humor and Humanity: Finding Light in the Darkness
Dark Humor: While Hereditary is undeniably a dark and unsettling film, it is not without moments of dark humor. The film’s depiction of family dysfunction and the absurdity of the characters’ situations occasionally veers into sardonic territory. These moments of dark humor provide a brief respite from the relentless tension and offer a glimpse of the film’s self-awareness.
Human Connection: At its heart, Hereditary is a film about family and the complexities of human relationships. The characters’ struggles with grief, guilt, and fear are depicted with a profound sense of empathy and understanding. The film’s exploration of these themes adds a layer of emotional depth to the horror, making the characters’ experiences all the more poignant and relatable.
Legacy and Impact: A Modern Horror Classic
Hereditary has firmly established itself as a modern classic in the horror genre. Its ability to blend psychological depth with supernatural terror has earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated following. The film’s exploration of familial themes and its innovative approach to horror have set a new standard for the genre, influencing subsequent films and discussions about the nature of fear and grief.
The film’s impact lies in its ability to provoke thought and evoke a deep sense of unease. Its exploration of complex themes, combined with its masterful craftsmanship, ensures that it remains a compelling and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
The Verdict: A Terrifyingly Profound Masterpiece
In conclusion, Hereditary is a harrowing and profound exploration of family, grief, and the dark legacies we inherit. Its ability to combine psychological depth with supernatural horror makes it a standout film in the genre. The film’s exceptional performances, meticulous direction, and chilling atmosphere create a deeply unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
As you prepare to watch Hereditary, brace yourself for a film that will challenge your perceptions and evoke a deep sense of dread. Its profound themes and unsettling imagery make it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of horror and human psychology. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Hereditary is a film that will leave a lasting impression and provoke thought long after the final scene.
