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Quick Review - A24's Hereditary

Every family tree hides a secret.

Hereditary is a 2018 supernatural psychological horror drama film directed by Ari Aster, written by Ari Aster, produced by A24, Palm Star Media, Finch Entertainment, and Windy Hill Pictures, and distributed by A24. The film stars Toni Collette and Alex Wolff. It was not nominated for any Academy Awards.


"You can't take responsibility for anything!" - Annie Graham

Plot


When a horrific tragedy befalls the Graham family, they begin to uncover family secrets and the sinister fate that is about to unfold upon them.


My Favorite Part of Hereditary


This film is one of the most iconic horror movies of the past twenty years, and for good reason. Hereditary is a dark, disturbing exploration of grief and familial trauma. What makes it so interesting is that it's essentially a family drama for the first two-thirds of the runtime. The horror only truly comes out in the third act. There are moments of terror and eeriness sprinkled throughout, but the film really lets you seep into the lives of these characters and how their family dynamic has changed after this tragedy. It's a really devastating film that also becomes really terrifying near the end.


My Least Favorite Part of Hereditary


The plot of Hereditary kind of falls apart near the end. We start to understand everything that's been going on and the supernatural aspect of the film is explained to us, and it kind of doesn't make a lot of sense. It leaves you with a lot more questions than answers, but it really feels like the plot is intentionally secondary to the characters and the atmosphere that this film presents. While I would normally view that as a bad thing, I think it works for Hereditary.


Why Hereditary Is Great


Ari Aster directs a dread-inducing, devastating mix of horror and raw family drama that absolutely hits the mark. It's become a classic of the genre five years after its release, and there's a reason for that. Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Gabriel Byrne, and Milly Shapiro all give fantastic performances that elevate how effective and real this movie feels. It's such a unique and impactful movie that I absolutely adored. It will not be for everyone. It isn't necessarily a fun movie. But it is incredible.


Final Thoughts and Score


Hereditary is a deep, thought-provoking, and horrific exploration of trauma and family elevated by fantastic performances and great direction from Ari Aster.


I will go Sweet here. Age range is 18+.


SWEET N' SOUR SCALE

Sweet (Great) Savory (Good) Sour (Bad) Moldy (Terrible)


"Hereditary"


Fun Factor: 6/10

Acting: 9.5/10

Story: 8/10

Characters: 9.5/10

Quality: 9.5/10


Directed by Ari Aster


Rated R for strong bloody violence, language, frightening themes and images, sexual content, thematic elements


Released on June 8, 2018


2 hours and 7 minutes


Toni Collette as Annie Graham

Alex Wolff as Peter Graham

Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham

Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham

Ann Dowd as Joan

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