The ending of Ari Aster’s Hereditary culminates in a horrifying ritualistic coronation, revealing Peter Graham as the vessel for the demon Paimon. This seemingly inevitable outcome is the result of generations of manipulation and a complex orchestration of events orchestrated by Annie Graham’s mother, Ellen, and her cult.
The Final Descent: A Breakdown of the Closing Scene
The film’s climax plunges viewers into a nightmarish frenzy of cult worship and demonic possession. We witness Peter, following Annie’s horrifying self-immolation, fleeing into the treehouse where Ellen’s devoted followers await. The atmosphere is thick with dread, underscored by unsettling chanting and the chilling sight of nude figures bowing in reverence. Here’s a closer look at the key elements:
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Peter’s Ascension as Paimon: Peter, after a period of catatonic shock and seemingly irreversible damage, is crowned with a makeshift crown fashioned from twigs and blood. This act signifies his complete transformation into Paimon, a male entity desiring a male host. He is addressed as “King Paimon,” solidifying his new demonic identity. The ritualistic language explicitly names and welcomes the demon into his body.
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The Cult’s Devotion: The cult members, including Joan, the woman Annie met in grief support group, are revealed to be fervent worshippers of Paimon. Their orchestrated series of events – from Annie’s mother manipulating her daughter to seemingly random occurrences – were all carefully planned to bring about Paimon’s return. Their chanting and prostrations reinforce their complete allegiance to the demon king.
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Ellen’s Grand Design: The entire family’s tragic journey, from Charlie’s death to Annie’s descent into madness and ultimately Peter’s possession, is the direct result of Ellen’s lifelong dedication to Paimon. She groomed Charlie as a potential vessel, but Charlie’s premature death forced the cult to shift their focus to Peter. Ellen’s power and influence over the family, even in death, were the driving force behind their destruction.
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The Treehouse as a Site of Sacrifice: The treehouse, initially built by Charlie, becomes the final stage for Paimon’s arrival. Its isolated location and association with Charlie further emphasize the generational nature of the demonic influence and the inescapable fate of the Graham family. The interior is filled with symbols and markings associated with Paimon, signifying the culmination of the cult’s long-term plan.
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The Abject Horror of Possession: The ending leaves little to the imagination, emphasizing the complete and utter loss of Peter’s identity. The final shot, focusing on Peter’s vacant eyes and distorted features, underscores the terrifying reality of demonic possession and the irreversible damage inflicted upon his mind and body. The phrase “You are Paimon” solidifies this transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hereditary‘s Ending
H3: Why did the cult want Peter to be Paimon’s host?
Paimon, according to various demonological texts, desires a male host. Ellen’s initial attempt to house Paimon in Charlie failed upon her accidental death. Peter, being the only surviving male Graham descendant, became the next logical candidate, meticulously groomed and manipulated by the cult for this very purpose. The cult’s desperation for a male host highlights the specific requirements of Paimon and the lengths they were willing to go to fulfill them.
H3: Was Charlie possessed by Paimon before she died?
The film strongly implies that Charlie was either possessed or intended as a vessel for Paimon from a young age. Her unusual behavior, vacant stare, and obsession with creating disturbing artwork suggest a pre-existing connection to the demonic entity. The cult’s actions following her death reinforce the idea that she was an integral part of their plan, and her passing forced them to accelerate their efforts to transfer Paimon to Peter.
H3: What role did Joan play in the events?
Joan, the woman Annie met in the grief support group, was a key member of Ellen’s cult. She intentionally befriended Annie to manipulate her and guide her towards performing the ritual that would ultimately pave the way for Paimon’s entry into Peter. Joan provided Annie with the necessary information and incantations, skillfully exploiting Annie’s grief and vulnerability to further the cult’s agenda.
H3: Why did Annie kill Charlie, albeit accidentally?
Charlie’s death wasn’t a pure accident, though Annie didn’t intend to kill her outright. The hazelnut allergy, which caused Charlie’s anaphylactic shock, was likely manipulated by the cult, perhaps through subtle means. The entire sequence, from Charlie ingesting the cake to Annie speeding to the hospital, feels orchestrated, suggesting a deliberate effort to remove Charlie from the equation and clear the path for Peter.
H3: What is the significance of the miniatures Annie created?
Annie’s miniatures serve as a visual representation of the events unfolding within the Graham household. They provide the audience with a detached, almost clinical perspective on the family’s unraveling, highlighting the predetermined nature of their fate. The miniatures also underscore Annie’s lack of control over her own life and the events surrounding her, as she is merely a player in a larger, more sinister game. They are a microcosm of the family’s tragedy, controlled and observed from a distance, just as the cult controls the Graham family.
H3: How did Ellen manipulate Annie throughout her life?
Ellen exerted a powerful and manipulative influence over Annie throughout her life. She isolated Annie from others, fostered feelings of guilt and inadequacy, and used emotional manipulation to control her actions. The film reveals the extent of Ellen’s obsession with the occult and her willingness to sacrifice her own family for the sake of Paimon’s return. Annie’s troubled relationship with her mother is central to understanding the film’s themes of inherited trauma and inescapable destiny.
H3: What does “Zazas” mean?
“Zazas” is a word spoken during the ritual to summon Paimon. It’s believed to be part of the incantation used to invoke the demon and facilitate its entry into a host. While the exact meaning isn’t explicitly stated, its repetition during the ritual emphasizes its importance in the summoning process and contributes to the unsettling atmosphere.
H3: Why did Annie burn herself at the end?
Annie’s self-immolation was a desperate, albeit ultimately futile, act of defiance. Possessed by Paimon, she briefly regained a sliver of control and attempted to prevent the demon from fully inhabiting Peter. However, the ritual was too far along, and her sacrifice only served to clear the final obstacle for Paimon’s complete takeover. Her death, however gruesome, highlights her final desperate act of maternal protection.
H3: What are the origins of Paimon in real-world demonology?
Paimon is a real demon listed in various grimoires, including The Lesser Key of Solomon. In demonological texts, Paimon is described as a king of hell, loyal to Lucifer, and commanding many legions of demons. He is often depicted as riding a dromedary and wearing a glorious crown. The film draws heavily on these existing descriptions to create its portrayal of the demon and its rituals.
H3: Is Hereditary about mental illness or demonic possession?
Hereditary explores both themes, blurring the lines between mental illness and demonic possession. Annie’s struggles with mental health, particularly her family history of mental illness, are presented alongside the supernatural elements of the story. The film can be interpreted as a commentary on the ways in which inherited trauma and psychological vulnerabilities can be exploited by external forces, whether supernatural or societal.
H3: What is the significance of the symbol frequently seen throughout the film?
The symbol represents Paimon. It appears on various objects and surfaces throughout the film, serving as a constant reminder of the demonic presence and the cult’s influence. Its recurring appearance reinforces the idea that the Graham family is trapped within a predetermined fate, controlled by forces beyond their understanding. Spotting the symbol can add depth to subsequent viewings of the film.
H3: What is the overarching message of Hereditary?
Hereditary delves into themes of inherited trauma, the weight of family history, and the inescapable nature of fate. It explores the psychological and emotional toll that secrets and unresolved conflicts can have on a family, ultimately suggesting that some burdens are too heavy to bear. The film’s ending reinforces the idea that the past can have a devastating impact on the present and future, leaving individuals trapped within a cycle of suffering. The film can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive power of family secrets and the ways in which they can shape our lives, even beyond the grave.