[yasr_overall_rating]
When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry.
Tragedy is something, unfortunately, most people at some point in their lives go through. The unexpected loss is unfathomable and leaves a devastating impact. Movies like “Don’t Look Now,” capture grief and loss in a horrifying yet cathartic manner. “Hereditary” has similar themes and even similar colors evoking a classic, almost gothic atmosphere. A24 continues to be one of the best film distribution companies, 2015’s “The Witch” parallels the themes of building dread, succumbing to dark forces, and unconventional rituals.
“Hereditary” is the debut film from Ari Aster featuring an originally made and conceived story but some homages to the classic 1960s/1970s horror films weaved in. Some scenes felt particularly reminiscent of “The Shining” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” The occult, apparitions, family secrets, mental illness, creepy dollhouses, this film has it all. The raw talent and technical patience spin the typical lazy tropes into a fresh compelling narrative.
The story begins with the death of a mysterious and controlling Matriarch. Annie, (Toni Collette) who works as a miniature artist, seems more relieved than bereaved by the loss of her difficult mother. Her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) is a supportive, well-mannered, sensible person. Their children are teenager Peter (Alex Wolff) and his younger sister Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Peter is an easy going pothead who happens to be studying the Greek tragedy involving a king trying to control his fate, Agamemnon. Charlie is an odd, introverted, apathetic child. Although she was her “grandmother’s favorite,” she’s withdrawn and has apparently never cried, even as a baby. Charlie likes to make toys in her treehouse and is unflinching when it comes to animal mutilation. The story is set in motion after a cataclysmic blow and the family is left to pick up the pieces. Secrets are revealed and the creeping pressure rises to a rousing third act.
Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne have always struck me as powerful actors. Byrne delivers a suitable supportive role but this in Collette’s show. Her dynamic inflection and her face alone shine with moments all in the mere blink of an eye, conveying embarrassment, laughter, and resentment. Her role is incredible to witness, truly one of the greatest working actors around. Ann O’Dowd (“The Leftovers,” “The Handmaid’s Tale”) turns in a typically great supporting work. She plays a woman guiding Annie into abnormal, supernatural methods to heal her grief.
The screenplay is methodically executed, and not a scene is wasted. So many horror films rely on dull jump scare tactics and thin plot. “Hereditary” earns your scares and makes you involved emotionally and psychologically. While I thoroughly enjoyed the exhilarating amusement park ride of “A Quiet Place,” “Hereditary” is the overnight stay in a Haunted House. Saxophonist Colin Stetson composes the eerie lush score. He’s a member of Arcade Fire and has worked with the likes of Bon Iver. After hearing his haunting memorable music, I look forward to more compositions from him.
For a debut film, the direction is flawless. Every shot is perfectly meticulous and at times portraying a voyeuristic view, not unlike Annie’s meta-miniature life-based dollhouses. The camera smartly captures seemingly normal home backdrops pushed into a peculiar frame. After the credits rolled, I still kept thinking about it. This is a film that beckons to be revisited with its layered and partially obfuscated plot.
In theaters Friday, June 8th
