I watched Hereditary and I really liked it! 4/5
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Hereditary is a cinematic masterclass in psychological horror, a film that unearths the deepest, darkest corners of the human psyche and lays them bare for the audience to witness. Ari Aster, in his directorial debut, delivers a tour de force that is equal parts chilling and emotionally gut-wrenching.
From the very first frame, Hereditary establishes an atmosphere of unease. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the eeriness of the film’s setting – a remote, isolated house surrounded by a forest that seems to hold its own malevolent secrets. The camera work is deliberate, lingering on unsettling imagery that seeps into the viewer’s subconscious.
Toni Collette‘s performance as Annie, the matriarch of the family, is nothing short of extraordinary. She navigates the complexities of her character with a raw intensity that is both mesmerizing and deeply unsettling. As the film unravels, Collette’s portrayal of a mother teetering on the edge of sanity becomes a visceral tour de force. Hereditary is, in many ways, a character study of Annie’s descent into madness, and Collette’s tour de force performance is the linchpin that holds it all together.
The film’s exploration of grief and familial trauma is its beating heart. It delves into the messy, uncomfortable reality of loss, portraying it not as a neat, linear process, but as a jagged, painful journey that fractures the very foundation of a family. The dynamics between the characters are fraught with tension, resentment, and a palpable sense of helplessness. Alex Wolff, who plays Annie’s son Peter, delivers a performance that is raw and emotionally charged. His portrayal of a teenager grappling with unspeakable horror is both heartrending and utterly convincing.
Hereditary is not a film that relies on cheap jump scares or gratuitous violence. Instead, it builds its terror methodically, allowing it to seep into the viewer’s bones. The use of sound is particularly effective, with eerie, discordant tones underscoring the mounting dread. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its ability to tap into primal fears.
The third act of Hereditary takes a turn into the realm of the supernatural, introducing elements that push the boundaries of reality. While some viewers may find this shift jarring, it serves to elevate the film into a truly nightmarish crescendo. The imagery becomes increasingly surreal and hallucinatory, blurring the lines between the waking world and a descent into madness.
Hereditary is not a film that provides easy answers. It revels in ambiguity, leaving its audience to grapple with the lingering sense of dread and unease. Ari Aster trusts his viewers to connect the dots, to unravel the intricacies of the narrative, and to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at its core.
In conclusion, Hereditary is a harrowing journey into the depths of psychological horror. With masterful direction, powerhouse performances, and a willingness to confront the darkest aspects of human experience, Ari Aster crafts a film that is as haunting as it is unforgettable. It’s a cinematic tour de force that cements Aster’s place as a visionary in the realm of horror. For those willing to confront their deepest fears, Hereditary is an experience that will leave an indelible mark.