Forget jump scares and masked maniacs. Tonight, if you crave a truly unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll, watch Ari Aster’s Hereditary (2018). This isn’t just a horror movie; it’s a devastating exploration of grief, family secrets, and the chilling possibility of being trapped by forces beyond comprehension.
Why Hereditary Reigns Supreme
Hereditary stands out in a crowded genre for its deliberate pacing, masterful character development, and genuinely disturbing visuals. It’s a slow burn that steadily ratchets up the tension, culminating in a climax that is both terrifying and emotionally devastating. Unlike many horror films that rely on cheap thrills, Hereditary delves into the psychological depths of its characters, forcing the audience to confront their own fears and anxieties. The film’s impact stems from its exploration of relatable themes – family trauma, mental illness, and the struggle to cope with loss – filtered through the lens of supernatural horror. The score, the cinematography, and the performances (especially Toni Collette’s tour-de-force performance as Annie Graham) all contribute to a film that is both artistically brilliant and profoundly disturbing. It’s a film that stays with you, prompting discussion and analysis long after the screen fades to black. It’s not just about being scared; it’s about being deeply affected.
Understanding the Horror: More Than Just Ghouls and Goblins
Hereditary transcends the typical horror tropes. It’s less about what jumps out at you and more about what crawls under your skin. The film’s brilliance lies in its ambiguity, leaving the audience to grapple with unanswered questions and interpret the events through their own personal experiences. This ambiguity is precisely what makes it so unsettling.
The Power of Psychological Horror
Hereditary excels in psychological horror, manipulating the viewer’s expectations and playing on their deepest fears. The film doesn’t just show you scary images; it creates an atmosphere of dread and unease, making you question the characters’ sanity and the reality they perceive. This is achieved through subtle cues, unsettling sound design, and a deliberate lack of clear explanations. The audience is constantly kept off balance, never quite sure what is real and what is imagined.
The Role of Family Trauma
At its core, Hereditary is a story about family trauma and the devastating impact it can have on generations. The Graham family is haunted by secrets and unresolved grief, which ultimately make them vulnerable to the supernatural forces at play. The film explores how these unresolved issues can fester and manifest in destructive ways, turning family members against each other and leading to tragic consequences. The exploration of intergenerational trauma is what elevates Hereditary beyond a simple horror film, giving it depth and resonance that resonates with audiences.
The Unsettling Influence of the Occult
The film’s descent into the occult adds another layer of dread and complexity. The gradual reveal of the family’s connection to a malevolent cult introduces a sense of inevitability and helplessness. The characters are pawns in a larger game, manipulated by forces they cannot comprehend. This element of control is what makes the occult aspect of Hereditary so terrifying. It suggests that we are not always in control of our own destinies and that there may be unseen forces influencing our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hereditary
Here are some common questions people have about Hereditary, answered to help you get the most out of your viewing experience:
FAQ 1: Is Hereditary really that scary?
Yes, Hereditary is considered one of the scariest horror films of the past decade. However, its scariness is more psychological than visceral. It’s less about jump scares and more about creating a sustained sense of dread and unease. If you’re looking for cheap thrills, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate a horror film that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the credits roll, you’ll find Hereditary incredibly effective.
FAQ 2: What should I expect going into Hereditary?
Expect a slow-burn horror film that prioritizes atmosphere and character development over cheap scares. Be prepared for disturbing imagery, unsettling sound design, and a deeply unsettling story about family trauma and the occult. Don’t expect easy answers or a neat resolution. The film is designed to leave you with questions and a lingering sense of unease.
FAQ 3: Is Hereditary gory?
While Hereditary does contain moments of graphic violence, it’s not gratuitously gory. The horror is more psychological than physical. The film relies on suggestion and implication to create a sense of dread, rather than explicitly showing excessive violence. When violence does occur, it’s often sudden and shocking, serving to heighten the emotional impact of the scene.
FAQ 4: Should I watch Hereditary alone or with friends?
This depends on your personal preference. Watching it alone can amplify the sense of isolation and dread, while watching it with friends can provide a sense of shared experience and allow you to discuss the film afterwards. Consider your tolerance for horror and your comfort level with being alone with your thoughts after watching a disturbing film.
FAQ 5: Are there any trigger warnings I should be aware of before watching Hereditary?
Yes, Hereditary contains themes and imagery that may be triggering for some viewers. These include depictions of grief, trauma, mental illness, child death, self-harm, and the occult. If you are sensitive to any of these topics, you may want to proceed with caution or avoid the film altogether.
FAQ 6: What’s the deal with the miniatures?
The miniatures created by Annie Graham, the protagonist, serve as a visual representation of her control over her life and the lives of her family members. However, as the film progresses, the miniatures begin to reflect the increasingly chaotic and uncontrollable events that unfold, highlighting Annie’s loss of control. They are a visual metaphor for the film’s themes of manipulation, control, and the illusion of free will.
FAQ 7: Who is Paimon?
Paimon is a demon mentioned in several grimoires and occult texts. In Hereditary, Paimon is the demon that the cult is trying to summon through Peter, the son. The film draws on real-world occult beliefs to create a sense of authenticity and dread. Understanding the mythology behind Paimon can add another layer of appreciation to the film.
FAQ 8: What’s with the clicking sound?
The clicking sound, often made by Charlie, the young daughter, is associated with the presence of Paimon. It serves as a warning sign, foreshadowing the impending doom that awaits the family. The repetitive and unsettling nature of the clicking sound contributes to the film’s overall sense of unease.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the ending?
The ending of Hereditary is deliberately ambiguous and disturbing, leaving the audience to grapple with the implications of the events that have transpired. It suggests that the family has been completely consumed by the cult and that Paimon has successfully taken possession of Peter. The ending underscores the film’s themes of fate, control, and the helplessness of individuals in the face of larger, malevolent forces.
FAQ 10: Is Midsommar (another Ari Aster film) similar to Hereditary?
While both films are directed by Ari Aster and share certain thematic similarities, such as the exploration of grief and trauma, they are distinct in their tone and setting. Midsommar is set in broad daylight and features a more surreal and psychedelic atmosphere, while Hereditary is darker and more grounded in reality (initially). Both are excellent horror films, but they offer different types of scares.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch Hereditary?
Hereditary is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu (with Live TV), and through rental services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 12: Should I watch Hereditary a second time?
Absolutely. Hereditary is a film that rewards multiple viewings. On subsequent watches, you’ll likely notice subtle clues and details that you missed the first time around, deepening your understanding of the film’s themes and complexities. The film’s layered narrative and ambiguous storytelling make it a rich and rewarding viewing experience, even after you know what to expect. Prepare to be even more disturbed by the details you missed the first time.