Hereditary (2018) – Movie Review
Synopsis
Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, is a horror film that delves into the disintegration of a family following the death of its secretive matriarch, Ellen. The film centres around the Graham family, which consists of Annie (Toni Collette), a miniature artist; her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne); their teenage son Peter (Alex Wolff); and their young daughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Following the funeral of Ellen, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to plague the family, revealing dark secrets and disturbing truths that bind them in a nightmarish web of grief and horror.
Annie grapples with her own feelings of guilt and loss as she attempts to piece together her mother’s enigmatic past. Charlie, who displays peculiar behaviour and an unsettling attachment to her deceased grandmother, becomes crucial to the unfolding events. As they all bear the weight of their inheritance, both literal and metaphorical, the family’s relationship deteriorates, leading them down a path of despair. The film masterfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, exploring themes of trauma, mental illness, and the generational curses that haunt families.
Cast of Characters
- Toni Collette as Annie Graham
- Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham
- Alex Wolff as Peter Graham
- Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham
- Ann Dowd as Joan
- Mallory Bechtel as Bridget
- Michael Barbieri as Tim
- Steve Zissis as the Detective
Review
From its exhilarating opening frames to its devastatingly haunting conclusion, Hereditary stands as a deeply unsettling exploration of familial dysfunction, grief, and the disquieting legacies that can be passed down through generations. Ari Aster’s directorial debut is nothing short of a masterclass in horror, pushing the boundaries of the genre and offering a psychological depth rarely seen in mainstream films.
Toni Collette gives a career-defining performance as Annie Graham, encapsulating a tumultuous blend of grief, rage, and despair. Her character’s transformation from a seemingly ordinary mother to a woman faced with unimaginable horrors is riveting, and it is this journey that serves as the emotional backbone of the film. Collette’s ability to oscillate between poignant and terrifying makes her portrayal of Annie raw and authentic, and she is utterly compelling in every scene. The film draws viewers into her spiralling descent into madness, leaving us to question the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with trauma and loss.
Opposite Colette, Gabriel Byrne’s portrayal of Steve offers a counterbalance; he is the steadfast presence attempting to maintain some semblance of normality amidst the chaos. His performance is understated yet profound, showcasing the quiet devastation that often accompanies those left in the wake of tragedy. The relationship between Steve and Annie is tense and fraught, reflecting the strain that grief imposes on love and partnership.
Alex Wolff embodies Peter, the troubled teenage son whose journey through the film is heart-wrenching. His vulnerability is palpable, and as he grapples with the weight of expectations and the pressure of family legacy, Wolff delivers a performance that is both restrained and explosively tragic. Milly Shapiro’s portrayal of Charlie is equally notable; her character is a disturbing blend of innocence and otherworldly peculiarity, making her a haunting presence throughout the film. Shapiro’s unsettling performance creates an unease that lingers long after the credits roll.
Ari Aster’s direction uses atmospheric tension and visceral imagery to explore the fragility of family bonds. He deftly balances the psychological with the supernatural, inviting viewers into a world where horror lies not just in the external forces at play but also in the internal struggles of the characters. The symbolism throughout the film—a miniature house replicating the family’s own home, the constant presence of death and decay—adds layers of depth to the viewing experience, provoking deeper thought about the themes of fate and inevitability.
The film’s cinematography, crafted by Pawel Pogorzelski, is nothing short of stunning. Each frame is meticulously composed, with a pervasive sense of dread stitched into the fabric of the visuals. The use of light and shadow accentuates the isolation experienced by the characters, while close-ups often elicit a claustrophobic effect that immerses the audience in Annie’s spiralling mind. The creation of tension is masterful; Aster has a keen sense of pacing that builds discomfort gradually, letting horror unfold so that by the climax, the audience is emotionally exhausted and on edge.
The score, composed by Colin Stetson, amplifies the film’s atmosphere, merging discordant notes with eerie soundscapes to create a sense of impending doom. The music functions almost as a character in itself, guiding the viewer through its emotional landscape. Moments of silence are equally compelling; they encapsulate the moments of despair that seep through the characters’ lives, allowing the audience to feel the weight of their suffering.
Hereditary does not shy away from depicting the brutality of grief. It acknowledges that trauma is not merely an isolated event but a series of ripples that affect everyone within a family unit. The film’s portrayal of mental illness, particularly as it relates to hereditary conditions, is distressing yet poignant. Annie’s attempts to confront her mother’s legacy lead not to catharsis but rather to a deepening horror that proves inescapable. This descent into despair feels authentic, inviting viewers to ponder the very nature of trauma and its longstanding repercussions on family dynamics.
The film’s overwhelming emotional landscape is punctuated by moments that disturb and shock. From sudden outbursts of violence to grotesque imagery, Hereditary exploits the fear of the unknown while challenging viewers to face their deepest anxieties. However, it is the film’s underlying quality—a persistent sense of doom and the fear of inescapable familial ties—that lingers in the mind long after viewing.
In conclusion, Hereditary is a brilliant achievement in horror filmmaking, masterfully intertwining the elements of psychological terror with a poignant narrative about family, grief, and legacy. Ari Aster’s debut is not just a film—it is an experience that evokes raw emotions and shakes one to the core. Toni Collette’s performance is revolutionary, supported by a talented ensemble cast that brings depth to the chilling story. By the end of this haunting tale, audiences are left questioning what it means to inherit not only traits and memories but also trauma and suffering.
Score: 9/10
Hereditary is a landmark film that deserves its place in the annals of horror cinema, not only for its craft but also for its emotional resonance that lingers like a haunting melody in the echo of its final scene.
