Hereditary

Ari Aster’s directorial debut, “Hereditary” was officially released in 2018. (same year A Quiet Place came out) It received critical acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it became A24’s highest-grossing film. Until “Everything Everywhere All at Once” surpassed it. Mr. Aster’s latest film, “Beau Is Afraid” starring Joaquin Phoenix, is currently on DVD/Blu-Ray. I’ve yet to see it.

Anyway, it’s Halloween Month 2023. I’ll be watching and reviewing several Horror films throughout October. Which Horror film should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.

This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellow movie goers a chance to see this modern classic.

Sober & Drunk Aspects

Sober: Toni Collette did an excellent job for her performance. I’m so appalled, the Academy Awards ignored Ms. Collette’s performance. She should’ve gotten an Oscar nomination for “Best Actress.”

Other Cast Members such as Alex Wolff & Gabriel Byrne both did a decent job for their respective performances.

Ari Aster did a spectacular job directing the film. He also wrote the script.

Fun Fact: Alex stated a three hour cut of the film exists. I’m interested in a Director’s Cut.

Scare Factor relies on a psychological atmosphere. It gave me the heebie jeebies. I prefer a psychological atmosphere over Jump Scares. You can tell Ari’s passionate on Horror films. Because he’s an expert who knows a good scare. Hereditary’s ten times scarier than these dumb scary movies. Boy, do they stink!

• Winchester
• The Cloverfield Paradox
• Truth or Dare
• Slender Man

Colin Stetson (Red Dead Redemption 2, The Menu) orchestrated the soundtrack.

Cinematography makes you feel like you’re tagging along with Annie & Peter.

Practical Effects were heavily involved. Gotta love old school effects in a modern film. We need those type of films again.

Primary Themes are Family, Loss, Trauma & Grief. Each one’s handled carefully.

Pacing’s slow, but in a good way. The first half’s your typical drama fleshing out Annie and her family. Second half becomes a psychological Horror.

Annie works as a miniature artist. Her project’s called, “Small World.” Coincidentally, the late Mac Miller (may he Rest in Peace) wrote and performed a song from his album, “Swimming.” His fourth studio album came out a month before he tragically died from a drug overdose.

Charlie often clicks her tongue. If you’ve seen this film, you probably understand.

The Graham House was actually built by set decorators. Reflecting Annie’s job as a miniature artist.

Ari mentioned the film’s influenced by “Rosemary’s Baby” & “The Ice Storm.”

A scene with a chalkboard writing itself, is a reference to “Matilda.” When I was a little boy, I used to watch Matilda all the time. I consider it as my ultimate guilty pleasure.

As the film progresses, there’s a couple twists and turns regarding Annie’s family history. I cannot spill the beans. You’ll have to see for yourself.

The Ending changes everything. You’re gonna be shocked. In a positive way.

Drunk: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Hereditary’s a modern classic. All the positive things listed above, indicates why it’s a unique Horror film mixed with family Drama. If you’re looking for something to get your scare on, I strongly recommend this gem. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.