Hereditary (2018) - A chilling tour de force that redefines the boundaries of psychological horror.

A Touchstone Media Review

Ari Aster's directorial debut, "Hereditary," is a chilling tour de force that redefines the boundaries of psychological horror. From its ominous opening frames to its harrowing conclusion, the film immerses viewers in a nightmarish world of familial dysfunction, supernatural terror, and existential dread. With its masterful direction, meticulous attention to detail, and powerhouse performances, "Hereditary" stands as a modern masterpiece of the horror genre.

At its core, "Hereditary" is a deeply unsettling exploration of the complexities and traumas that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic family dynamics. The film follows the Graham family—Annie, Steve, and their children Peter and Charlie—as they grapple with the aftermath of a series of tragic events that unravel their lives and sanity. Aster's script is a study in tension and ambiguity, weaving a web of secrets, lies, and supernatural occurrences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Central to the film's power are the performances of its cast, particularly Toni Collette as Annie, a mother haunted by the specter of her troubled past. Collette delivers a tour de force performance that is equal parts raw, vulnerable, and terrifying, capturing the anguish and madness of her character with breathtaking intensity. As Annie's unraveling mental state threatens to consume her family, Collette's performance becomes a tour de force of psychological horror, leaving viewers shaken to their core.

Equally impressive is Alex Wolff as Peter, Annie's troubled teenage son whose descent into madness mirrors her own. Wolff imbues his character with a palpable sense of fear and confusion, conveying Peter's inner turmoil and desperation with haunting realism. Milly Shapiro delivers a standout performance as Charlie, Peter's enigmatic younger sister whose eerie presence adds an extra layer of unease to the film. Rounding out the cast is Gabriel Byrne as Steve, Annie's husband and the family's reluctant patriarch, whose stoic demeanor belies a deep well of fear and vulnerability.

Visually, "Hereditary" is a work of art, with cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski capturing the film's haunting imagery with breathtaking precision and artistry. From the claustrophobic interiors of the Graham family home to the desolate landscapes of the surrounding countryside, Pogorzelski's lensing imbues each frame with a sense of dread and foreboding. The use of shadow and light is particularly effective, heightening the film's atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.

Complementing the film's stunning visuals is the haunting score by Colin Stetson, which pulses and throbs with a primal energy that sends shivers down the spine. From its eerie drones to its cacophonous crescendos, Stetson's music amplifies the film's sense of unease and dread, enveloping viewers in a sonic landscape of terror and despair.

"Hereditary" is a chilling masterpiece that ranks among the greatest horror films of all time. Ari Aster's direction is masterful, the performances are stellar, and the visuals are hauntingly beautiful. With its rich storytelling, atmospheric imagery, and profound themes, "Hereditary" is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, and that is the the power of horror to evoke fear, fascination, and awe.