Ally B (Pepe Sylvia)

By far one of my favorite horror films I've seen. "Hereditary" is a film which subtly explores the intergenerational effects of a family curse, both with the literal invocation of a demonic entity, but also in dramatic emotional manipulation between family members. There is much to be gained from repeated viewings, picking up on subtleties and details glossed over in an initial attempt to make sense of what the hell this film is supposed to be about. While it may primarily come across as being without story or overall point, I would invite viewers to make deeper thematic observations of the film. It's not reliant on jump scares or other horror clichés, but rather is a slow and crawling build up to what viewers come to learn is the inevitable fate of the Graham family. There are subtle indications throughout of how our main characters are attempting to control a fate they have no way of managing, and of which they are completely oblivious until the very end. Their lives have been controlled by this external (and simultaneously internal) force that never gave them a chance to begin with. There is a profound tragedy to this story; as it coats the themes in effectively chilling cinematography and sublime performances, at its core it is a family drama that likely hits home with a lot of people from dysfunctional or abusive homes. Aster is known to delve into unsettling places in his works, which culminates wonderfully into many grueling scenes in the film. I would recommend "Hereditary" to any fan of horror as an example of psychological horror done right. Just shy of what I would call a masterpiece. 9/10