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Logline: Following the death of the matriarch, a grieving family begins to unravel terrifying secrets about their ancestry.
Every so often, I see a trailer for a film that I decide I must see in theaters. I have the distinct feeling that it will be a great film. This was how I felt when I first saw the trailer for Hereditary. Obviously, having any expectations for a film before seeing it could risk hampering the experience. This was not the case for Hereditary though, which by all accounts, exceeded my expectations. Hereditary is the best horror film that I have seen in years and one of the few films to actually scare me.
My love affair with horror films began when I was in the fifth grade, mostly because I found them so fun to watch. Many people love to be frightened and most of it boils down to biology. The human body releases hormones and neurotransmitters when in a state of fear, which in turn, makes us feel good. Hereditary is disturbing on an emotional and visceral level. There is a constant sense of dread that permeates the entire film. For all of its supernatural elements though, Hereditary is a family drama at its core. The tragic loss that these characters feel is so tangible and real. Grief, loss, and despair are elements to which everybody can relate.
Hereditary announces the arrival of a talented new filmmaker, Ari Aster whose cinematic craft is impeccable. Aster wrote and directed the film and he proves himself a masterful filmmaker who has created something that you will remember for the rest of your life. To his credit, Aster does not resort to jump scares. Hereditary is a slow burn horror masterpiece and it is dense enough to spark endless discussion and reward multiple viewings. This is the type of psychological horror film that makes you think and invites more than one interpretation.
The performances are all stellar. First and foremost, Toni Collette is mesmerizing. She is surely, one of the most talented actors working today. As Annie, Collette has to emote so much and yet, her performance never becomes over the top.
Some critics have complained that the film is derivative but I could not disagree more. It is rare to find a modern day horror film that is a completely original work. Aster clearly has his influences which he has been open about in interviews. Hereditary calls to mind such touchstone horror films as Psycho (1960), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), The Exorcist (1973), Don’t Look Now (1973), and The Shining (1980). However, it never feels derivative. You are hard pressed to find a horror film this masterful and affecting and that alone makes it unique.
Hereditary is not a film for everyone. Those who do not enjoy horror films need not apply. Even seasoned horror fans may find the film unbearable due to its shocking imagery. The film has been deemed this generation’s The Exorcist and I think that description is completely accurate. The most terrifying film to be released in years, Hereditary allows us to experience firsthand the unraveling of a family unit. Tragedy, loss, and despair have rarely been invoked so effectively onscreen. Hereditary is deeply affecting, powerful, and not for the faint hearted. You have been warned.
Rating (out of ****): ****