Hereditary | Film Review

Hereditary is director Ari Aster’s introduction to horror filmmaking, one that draws audience members in with its use of his uncanny ability to amplify adrenaline levels. It examines the dichotomy of familial relationships below the surface, while offering up a story that puts no one at ease. When Ellen passes away after a lifetime of psychological issues, her daughter, Annie (Toni Collette), and her family begins to unravel a mysterious ancestry they never expected to learn about. The result from the information uncovered leads to a home of chaos, which bleeds into an eerie uncertainty if anyone truly knows one another.

While this might not be an exact replica of another in its genre, it certainly draws off of its horror film predecessors in the way it elicits fear and showcases the supernatural. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does lend itself to feeling a bit used. The great thing about it though, is that you don’t feel overwhelmed by this during your viewing. It’s really something that sits with you afterwards, because to be completely frank, the film doesn’t stick its landing so we’re left questioning everything that came before it – was it really as good as I thought until this particular segment of the story?

Although this may be his breakout in regards to directing, Ari Aster could have fooled us all. Aster does a great job with displaying the raw and intense emotions throughout the film in a way that draws those same emotions out of his audience, making unique use of camera angles and elongated or blended shots that create a feeling of a parallel world. Particularly with scenes that emit sadness and anger, he trusts his actors and focuses on them in the exact manner we need him to. There is very little time where the audience members aren’t filled with the emotions Aster attempts to make us feel, whether that be shock, despair, worry and fear – but the true selling point of this film is the talented cast and acting.

With an Oscar-worthy performance, Toni Collette stuns us all with an aptitude to place us in the upside-down world her character Annie is living in. This is nothing new to Collette either, as she has given us these stellar performances prior in her Showtime show, United States of Tara. Every ounce of effort is visible in her tears, her voice, and her body language within Hereditary, making the movie exactly what it came out to be. Although, she wasn’t alone in the display of wonderful acting, she certainly was the shining light.

Joined aside her is Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects), portraying Annie’s husband, Steve. A father whose primary concern is his family and keeping them safe, while respecting everyone’s perspective. He truly is a gem. His concerns continue to rise when he feels an overwhelming need to protect his children, Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Both children are also learning that their home might not be as safe as they once thought, and Charlie, in particular, continues to struggles with the passing of her grandmother.

Hereditary offers strange and peculiar choices in regards to Aster’s script, particularly towards the end. It’s written in a way that anticipates the audience to be dumb; not having the ability to understand what was clearly laid out in the other 120 minutes. For a director confident in numerous creative choices, this lack of restraint proved a true hindrance to the film achieving the greatness it nearly pulls off. However, despite this unfortunate approach, we’re given a full length film filled with surprise, anticipation, sadness, and more than a few gut-wrenching moments that will make you cover your mouth in shock. A visceral display of internalized fears; this is why Ancestory.com exists, right?

Hereditary may not be the scariest movie of the last decade, or even last few years, but it certainly is one you’ll enjoy watching and will leave you wondering… just how well do you really know your family?