Hereditary — A slow unraveling of grief and madness
The film's heart is the breakdown of the family, but sometimes the horror feels more like a stylistic choice than something that naturally grows from the story.
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Spoiler-free review.
The story unfolds through the aftermath of a funeral, revealing how grief and guilt shape the family's descent into chaos. The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build from small moments that carry heavy emotional weight.
Ari Aster balances the horror with psychological depth, avoiding clichéd jump scares in favor of unsettling atmosphere. The dialogue feels natural but often sparse, focusing on what is left unsaid rather than explicit exposition.
Toni Collette delivers a haunting performance, capturing both vulnerability and unraveling control with precision. Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro bring raw intensity to their roles, making the family's disintegration feel personal and immediate.
There is one reservation: some horror elements feel detached from the emotional stakes, as if added for shock value rather than narrative necessity. Despite this, the film remains a powerful exploration of inherited trauma, anchored by strong performances and a carefully constructed atmosphere.
2018 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.
8/10
My verdictThe film's heart is the breakdown of the family, but sometimes the horror feels more like a stylistic choice than something that naturally grows from the story.
— Desly