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Lately, it seems as though horror movies are getting a higher profile. More than just the same old low-budget schlock, some appeal to audiences with better writing and better performances—with an overall effect that’s far more chilling. And with Hereditary, writer/director Ari Aster takes a talented cast and turns it into a noteworthy debut.
Hereditary begins with a funeral. Annie Graham (Toni Collette) had a difficult relationship with her mother, so her death dredges up all kinds of emotions. As Annie struggles to stay strong for her family, she chooses to open up about her family’s history of tragedy and mental illness with a support group. But things quickly go from bad to worse for her and her family—and as she tries to come to grips with the strange and horrific events, she begins to uncover more troubling information about her mother.
Hereditary is an eerie thriller—the kind that feels heavy and ominous from the opening scenes…the kind that builds in fear and suspense until, when the closing credits roll, you realize that you’ve barely taken a breath for the last couple of hours.
So much about this film is just a little bit strange: the personalities, the dynamics, the characters’ reactions—and that’s exactly what makes it perfectly off-putting. It will keep you guessing until the terrifying final scenes.
At the heart of it all is Toni Collette, who gives an absolutely captivating performance as Annie. The character’s life hasn’t been easy. It’s been filled with so much conflict and tragedy and most likely emotional abuse that her mother’s death is almost a relief. But, of course, that’s just the beginning of the downward spiral for Annie and her family, and Collette makes audiences feel every bit of her grief and fear as she tries to keep it together—and carefully control the situation—while things get worse and worse. You’ll wonder whether the character suffers from the mental illness that runs in her family—whether she’s dangerous—and as the characters grow suspicious, pointing fingers at one another, you won’t know whom to trust.
Admittedly, the story just gets crazier and more outrageous—and it runs a little off the rails in the end. It might leave you feeling a little perplexed by what just happened—but, to its credit, it’s sure to be a terrified, breathless kind of perplexed.
Of course, if you value a peaceful night’s sleep, you’ll want to avoid this chilling family thriller. But if you love a good horror flick, the clever filmmaking and strong performances of Hereditary make it one that you won’t want to miss.
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