Hereditary

Hereditary – A Detailed Review

Hereditary (2018), directed by Ari Aster in his feature film debut, is a masterclass in psychological horror that delves deep into themes of grief, trauma, mental illness, and family curses. Lauded for its unsettling atmosphere, complex characters, and emotional intensity, the film marked a turning point in modern horror cinema, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following.

The story follows the Graham family in the aftermath of the death of the family matriarch, Ellen. Annie (Toni Collette), a miniature artist and Ellen's daughter, is left reeling not only from the loss but from years of complicated, even disturbing, emotional baggage. As the family processes the loss, a series of increasingly disturbing events begin to unfold, suggesting that Ellen’s influence—and something far more sinister—continues to haunt them.

Toni Collette delivers a tour-de-force performance as Annie, portraying a woman unraveling under the weight of guilt, fear, and loss. Her emotional range—from stifled anger to pure anguish—is one of the film’s most powerful elements. Alex Wolff, as her teenage son Peter, also gives a standout performance, especially in scenes of raw, unfiltered terror. Milly Shapiro and Gabriel Byrne round out the cast as Annie’s daughter Charlie and her husband Steve, respectively, both adding depth and tension to the family dynamic.

What sets Hereditary apart from conventional horror is its slow, deliberate pacing and its refusal to rely on cheap jump scares. Instead, Aster builds dread with meticulous attention to detail—unnerving sound design, subtle visual cues, and an atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic and surreal. Every frame is composed with precision, often using wide shots to create a voyeuristic sense of helplessness.

The film also explores the idea of inherited trauma—both psychological and supernatural. It raises chilling questions about how much of our suffering is passed down, how much control we truly have over our fates, and whether evil can be embedded in our very bloodlines. The title itself suggests that some horrors are not just encountered, but inherited, destined.

A key element of Hereditary is its shift in genre and tone. What begins as a domestic drama about grief slowly morphs into an occult horror, culminating in a terrifying and surreal third act. This transformation is handled masterfully, with clues sprinkled throughout the film that only become fully understood in hindsight, rewarding attentive viewers.

The final sequence, with its disturbing imagery and revelations about a demonic cult, is both shocking and oddly serene, leaving audiences haunted long after the credits roll. The film’s ambiguity—about what is real, what is hallucinated, and what is fated—deepens its psychological impact.

In conclusion, Hereditary is a deeply disturbing and emotionally devastating film that redefines the boundaries of horror. With outstanding performances, especially from Toni Collette, and a vision that blends intimate family tragedy with cosmic terror, Ari Aster’s debut is a haunting meditation on the inescapable nature of grief and legacy. It’s not just a horror film—it’s a tragedy in disguise, and one of the most unforgettable cinematic experiences of the decade.