Hereditary (2018)

"Hereditary" is a film that will leave you gasping for air, both with its scares and its stunning performances. The film is a directorial debut by Ari Aster and stars Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, and Milly Shapiro. The movie has been widely acclaimed for its unique take on the horror genre, as well as its compelling exploration of grief, trauma, and the dark secrets of a family.

The Plot

The movie revolves around the Graham family, who is dealing with the recent death of their grandmother. The family is already quite dysfunctional, with Annie (Toni Collette) struggling to come to terms with her mother's passing, her estranged relationship with her teenage son, Peter (Alex Wolff), and her strained relationship with her husband, Steve (Gabriel Byrne).

The film takes a turn when the family's daughter, Charlie (Milly Shapiro), begins to experience supernatural occurrences. As the family tries to uncover the truth behind these events, they realize that their family's history is darker than they ever imagined, and that their loved ones are in danger.

The Performances

One of the standout features of "Hereditary" is the incredible performances by its cast. Toni Collette delivers a career-defining performance as Annie, capturing the character's grief, anxiety, and rage with incredible depth and nuance. Alex Wolff also shines as Peter, portraying the character's terror and confusion with convincing authenticity. Milly Shapiro, in her debut performance, is hauntingly effective as Charlie, bringing an eerie presence to the screen that will leave you on edge.

Gabriel Byrne also delivers a solid performance as Steve, providing a steady presence amidst the chaos and terror of the film. The chemistry between the actors feels genuine, making the family dynamic all the more affecting.

The Direction

Ari Aster's direction is masterful, creating an atmosphere of dread and unease from the very first frame. The film is visually stunning, with Aster utilizing a variety of techniques to keep the audience on edge, including disorienting camera angles and slow pans that create a sense of dread and anticipation.

The sound design is also top-notch, with composer Colin Stetson creating an eerie score that perfectly complements the film's visuals. The film's pacing is deliberate, taking its time to build tension and suspense before delivering truly horrifying sequences that will leave you reeling.

The Themes

At its core, "Hereditary" is a film about grief, trauma, and the secrets that families keep hidden from each other. The film explores the ways in which we try to cope with loss, and how those coping mechanisms can sometimes lead to even greater pain and suffering.

The movie also delves into the themes of inherited trauma and mental illness, showing how the sins of the past can haunt us and our loved ones long after they have passed. The film's exploration of these themes is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling, making for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

"Hereditary" is not your average horror movie. It's a film that will leave you breathless, both with its scares and its emotional depth. The performances are outstanding, the direction is masterful, and the themes are thought-provoking and unsettling.

If you're a fan of horror movies that explore the darker aspects of the human experience, "Hereditary" is a must-see. It's a haunting journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and a testament to the power of cinema to shock, move, and challenge us.The Twist Ending

Without spoiling anything, it's safe to say that "Hereditary" has one of the most shocking and unexpected twist endings in recent memory. The film builds to a harrowing climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat, only to pull the rug out from under you in its final moments.

The twist ending is a masterful stroke of storytelling, adding new layers of meaning and depth to the film's themes and characters. It's the kind of ending that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the story, and leave you pondering its implications long after the credits roll.

In a genre that often relies on jump scares and cheap thrills, "Hereditary" stands out for its willingness to push the boundaries of what horror can be. It's a film that takes its time to build tension and suspense, and rewards the audience with a genuinely shocking and thought-provoking conclusion.

In Conclusion

"Hereditary" is a modern horror masterpiece that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves the genre. It's a film that will leave you gasping for air, both with its scares and its emotional depth. The performances, direction, and themes are all top-notch, and the twist ending is nothing short of brilliant.

If you're looking for a horror film that will leave a lasting impact, look no further than "Hereditary." It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and a testament to the power of cinema to move and challenge us.