‘Hereditary’ is haunting family drama (review)

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Family drama provides superb fodder for powerful narratives. 2018 thriller “Hereditary,” directed by Ari Aster, masterfully probes a dysfunctional clan in the aftermath of a familial death. Relying on relationship turmoil, it’s a haunting, grounded elevated horror flick.

Annie Graham (Toni Collette) battles with the death of her estranged mother Ellen in the wake of her demise. The miniaturist artist, her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne), along with daughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro), and son Peter (Alex Wolff), cope in the aftermath of Ellen’s death. Annie reveals that she was largely distant from her mother until Charlie was born, when she reluctantly allowed her mom to play a central role in Charlie’s upbringing. Accordingly, Charlie exhibits a strong bond with her deceased grandmother.
After the funeral, an increasingly devastating string of tragedies befalls the Graham household. Charlie behaves in progressively erratic ways, and a harrowing accident leaves Peter, and the entire family, tormented. During a support group session, Annie reveals a deep-rooted familial history of mental illness that afflicted her mother as well as herself.

From the onset, “Hereditary” presents a visually-striking ambiance. The opening shot features a close up of a miniature house, which transforms into the Graham household. Beginning with a death in the family, “Hereditary” employs a classic family drama trope and uses it as fuel for the nightmarish journey which follows.

Starting with a tragic event, “Hereditary” coagulates into a freakish horror flick which reaches a crescendo in the third act. Largely, fraught relationships and catastrophe propel the film forward. However, the finale erupts with a supernatural shocker. It’s ripe with inspiration from “Rosemary’s Baby,” and “Carrie.” The supernatural elements are a bit over the top. “Hereditary” manages more fright when it focuses on the Graham family and the gut wrenching afflictions cursing them in the wake of Ellen’s passing. While hints at the ultimate treachery lying dormant until the end present subtly throughout the movie, it’s a bit jarring. When “Hereditary” focuses on family drama, it’s far more successful.

Toni Collette offers a tour de force acting performance, stealing every scene she’s in. As Charlie, Milly Shapiro plays an eccentric, troubled child brilliantly, getting far too little screen time. Similar to “It Comes at Night,” and “A Quiet Place,” “Hereditary” relies on human interaction, and it’s relationships which foster genuine emotional investment in its characters.

While the final third derails slightly, “Hereditary” remains a taut, smart horror flick. With an onus on family, it’s a tense story which gradually unfolds until an unforgettable finale which maintains an uncomfortable grasp well after the final credits roll. One moment early on left the theatre in a stunned silence without so much as the crunch of a stray popcorn kernel. Haunting, fresh, and marvelously acted, “Hereditary” is destined for greatness as a horror classic.