“Hereditary” shocks, spooks, and scares this Halloween Season
Ari Aster’s “Hereditary” is a chilling and unsettling masterpiece of modern horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its carefully crafted atmosphere, brilliant performances, and a genuinely haunting score, this film is a masterclass in psychological horror.
The story revolves around the Graham family, who are dealing with the recent loss of their secretive and enigmatic grandmother. The matriarch’s passing leaves behind a legacy of dark secrets that gradually unravel as the film unfolds. As the family members attempt to cope with their grief, they find themselves drawn into a web of malevolent forces that threatens to consume them.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Hereditary” is the way it builds tension. Ari Aster expertly uses slow-burning dread to create an atmosphere of unease that lingers throughout the film. The unsettling tone is further amplified by the film’s brilliant cinematography and meticulously designed sets, which contribute to a sense of impending doom.
The performances in “Hereditary” are nothing short of exceptional. Toni Collette delivers an incredible performance as Annie Graham, the mother of the family, whose emotional turmoil and complex character arc are central to the film’s narrative. Collette’s portrayal is so intense and believable that it’s impossible not to be drawn into her character’s world. Alex Wolff, who plays her teenage son, Peter, also delivers a standout performance, capturing the confusion and fear that envelops his character.
The film’s score, composed by Colin Stetson, is an auditory nightmare in the best possible way. The dissonant and eerie music heightens the tension and adds another layer of unease to the overall experience. It’s a score that will haunt your dreams long after the credits roll.
Aster’s direction is masterful in its ability to create an unsettling and almost claustrophobic atmosphere. He takes the time to develop his characters, making their descent into darkness all the more disturbing. The way he uses visual symbolism and foreshadowing throughout the film is a testament to his storytelling skills. Every scene and shot in “Hereditary” feels deliberate and contributes to the overall sense of impending dread. It is truly a visually stunning movie.
The film’s pacing is methodical, and while it may be considered slow by some, it serves to immerse the audience in the characters’ lives, allowing us to experience their emotional turmoil firsthand. The slow burn pays off in the film’s intense and nightmarish climax, which is both shocking and deeply unsettling.
“Hereditary” is not a traditional horror film with cheap jump scares and easily digestible plots. Instead, it’s a deeply psychological and emotionally resonant exploration of grief, family, and the supernatural. Make no mistake this is one of the scariest movies of all time as it is listed at #2 on IMDB’s Top 100 Scariest Movies of all Time. This movie will leave the audience with lingering questions and a sense of unease that persists long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and genuinely disturbing horror film, “Hereditary” is a must-watch.
