Written and Directed by Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne, Ann Dowd
Soundtrack: Colin Stetson
People sometimes ask me if I enjoy watching scary movies.
At home, alone? Not so much; it often becomes a little too personal.
In a theater, with people? That’s what I like. I feel secure in the collective experience, and, if I’m being honest, I really enjoy seeing and hearing other people’s frightened reactions.
So, with that said, I can tell you that Hereditary is absolutely worthy of a theatrical viewing. It’s deeply dark and disturbing, but I also kind of loved it, if for no other reason than how well it’s executed.
In fact, I think it might be a work of genius, but I also don’t want to hype it up too much. Still though, it’s an incredible debut feature from writer/director Ari Aster, one that draws on classic horror from decades gone by while still feeling fresh and modern (though not always in ways I appreciated). It’s already being compared to The Exorcist, which, in terms of cultural impact, isn’t really fair, but if we’re strictly talking tone and taking the subject matter seriously, then, yes, it’s an equitable comparison.
Hereditary also doesn’t just rely on loud noises to merely startle the audience, as so many contemporary horror films do. There were maybe two or three moments where I said to myself, “That’s a little bit of a cheap scare,” or, “That’s a bit cliched,” but by and large the movie simply presents its horror elements without waving its arms, which I welcome.
As strong as it is, however, I’d be absolutely remiss if I didn’t at least mention Toni Collette, who is, without question, the star of the film. It’s not exactly the kind of role you envy, playing a mother dealing with tremendous grief and suffering in addition to things beyond, but she throws herself so much into her performance that you can’t help but respect it. It really ties everything together.
If I have any nitpicks though, it’s that, for one, sometimes the camera movements feel a little too fancy for their own good (although I’m not sure I’d say that if I saw the film a second time), and there are certain little story elements that I wish were a little more timeless rather than 2018 all up in your face, but none of these criticisms kill the movie.
So, if you think you can stomach it, I heartily recommend Hereditary, but make no mistake, this is not a crossover event a la A Quiet Place. This is down and dirty psychological horror; not for everyone. But, if you don’t mind that sort of thing, you’ll have quite a time.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Rating: ★★★★☆