Movies Like Hereditary

Hereditary
    ⭐ 7.3 /10  rating stars
  • DramaHorrorMysteryThriller
  • USAUSA
  • 2h 7m | Year: 2018
  • When their reclusive grandmother dies, the Graham family uncovers a web of cryptic—and increasingly terrifying—secrets about their ancestry. With each revelation, they find themselves racing against a dark fate that seems inescapably theirs.

  • Adults

  • Movie Themes: Supernatural | Supernatural Horror | Violence | Grief | Ritual | Demon | Dysfunctional family | Dead body | Fear | Trauma | Ghost | Evil spirit | Possession | Occult | Seance | Manipulation | Secret society | Guilt | Satanism | Attic | Sect | Satanic cult | Spiritualism | Family tragedy | Traumatic experience
  • America

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Movie Team / Crew Detail

Hereditary - Movie Crew Info

Director: Ari Aster
Writer: Ari Aster
Producers: Pekin Barkin, Lars Knudsen
Cinematographer: Pawel Pogorzelski
Editor: Lucian Johnston
Production Designer: Jennifer Spence
Costume Designer: Andrea Lauer
Music Composer: Colin Stetson
Casting Director: Sharon Bialy
Visual Effects Supervisor: David Morley
Sound Designer: Craig Henighan
Makeup Artist: Stephen Kelley

Movie Summary

"Hereditary" is a chilling psychological horror film that follows the Graham family as they unravel a terrifying secret left behind by their recently deceased grandmother. The story begins with Annie Graham, an artist who creates intricate miniature models, dealing with the sudden death of her mother, Ellen. While the family tries to cope with their loss, strange and unsettling events start to unfold, especially around Annie’s daughter, Charlie, who has a peculiar and eerie demeanor.

The tension in the Graham household escalates after a tragic accident claims Charlie’s life, plunging the family into deep grief and confusion. Annie’s husband, Steve, and their son, Peter, struggle to understand the bizarre happenings that seem to haunt them. As Annie delves deeper into her mother’s mysterious past, she discovers dark family secrets connected to occult practices and a malevolent supernatural force that has been passed down through generations.

Annie’s investigation reveals that Ellen was involved with a sinister cult aiming to summon a demon named Paimon, who requires a human host to manifest on Earth. The Grahams soon realize that their family has been cursed, and the horrifying events are part of a carefully orchestrated plan to bring Paimon into the world. The film’s atmosphere grows increasingly oppressive and unnerving as Annie’s mental state deteriorates, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

Peter becomes the central focus of this dark ritual, as the cult’s power tightens its grip on the family. The tension reaches a terrifying climax when Annie’s attempts to break free from the curse only pull her deeper into the sinister forces controlling her fate. The film ends on a haunting note, revealing the full extent of the hereditary evil that has doomed the Graham family.

"Hereditary" is a story about grief, trauma, and the inescapable legacy of family secrets. It combines supernatural horror with intense emotional drama, creating an unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With its slow-building dread, striking visuals, and powerful performances, particularly by Toni Collette as Annie, the film explores how past sins and hidden darkness can shape and destroy a family’s future.

What This Movie Teach Us

"Hereditary" teaches us about the haunting grip of family secrets and inherited trauma. It reveals how grief and unresolved pain can ripple through generations, shaping lives in unseen, destructive ways. The film emotionally explores the fragility of trust within families and the terrifying consequences when communication breaks down. Ultimately, it reminds us to face our past honestly and seek healing, or risk being consumed by darkness that silently lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.

Awards & Nominations

Awards

  • Sitges Film Festival (2018)
    Won: Best Film

  • British Independent Film Awards (2018)
    Won: Best Supporting Actress – Milly Shapiro

  • Toronto After Dark Film Festival (2018)
    Won: Best Feature Film

  • Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (2019)
    Won: Best Actress – Toni Collette

  • Los Angeles Film Critics Association (2018)
    Won: Best Actress – Toni Collette

Iconic Scenes

  1. In the dimly lit attic, Annie discovers unsettling miniature dioramas eerily mirroring her family’s tragedies, each detail more haunting than the last.
  2. During a tense dinner, tension bursts as Annie’s son, Peter, experiences a terrifying seizure, his eyes rolling back, hinting at a sinister possession.
  3. The chilling séance scene, where dim candles flicker and shadowy spirits stir, revealing dark family secrets and unleashing malevolent forces.
  4. Annie’s frantic descent down the staircase, her fractured psyche unraveling amidst dizzying camera angles and a haunting score, epitomizes her unraveling sanity.

Controversies

"Hereditary" (2018), directed by Ari Aster, faced minimal public controversy but sparked debates on its intense psychological horror and graphic scenes. Some viewers and critics criticized the film for its disturbing content, including depictions of suicide, mental illness, and graphic violence, raising concerns about its impact on sensitive audiences. The film's dark themes and unsettling imagery led to discussions about the boundaries of horror cinema and the portrayal of trauma. However, it was not subject to formal censorship or bans. Overall, criticism focused on its challenging subject matter rather than any widespread public controversy or censorship issues.

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