"Hereditary isn't a horror film."
This is what you start to think, as the viewer. It's a trap that has been set for you. As a Screenwriter, myself, this film is a fantastic piece to study in terms of structure and execution.
3/4 of the film operate as a tragic Family Drama. It's easy to forget that you paid to watch a "Horror" film. The acting and writing are so superb that you're convinced this film is a dread-soaked tale about loss, guilt, and grudge-holding.
It is. But it isn't. By the time the credits roll, you'll feel a sort of evil presence (a dreadful haunting, if you will) that sticks with you for some time.
Hereditary is a film that rewards second and third viewings. There are so many hints and pieces that are so easily missed while watching it for the first time. Hereditary is constantly telling you that things are only going to end one way, and when you're able to see/hear the prophetic imagery of that... it's truly chilling.
"Midsommar" Ari Aster's 2nd film, is worth the price of admission. It's almost worth double because watching it gives you a newfound appreciation for Hereditary and Aster's incredible ability to disturb you deep in your core.
Ultimately, Ari Aster has made two Horror films that stand out in a crowd of what would otherwise be predictable jump-scare movies. But Hereditary is a phenomenal achievement in dread, terror, and tragedy.
Ari Aster has gone on to reveal that Hereditary and Midsommar were the only Horror stories he has written so far. It seems like, genre-wise, Ari Aster will be moving away from Horror.
TL; DR:
Regardless of what Ari Aster does moving forward, THIS is the film he'll be primarily remembered for. It is a must-see.
(I hope he proves me wrong, because his talent is beyond that of nearly all current Horror writers/directors.)
This is what you start to think, as the viewer. It's a trap that has been set for you. As a Screenwriter, myself, this film is a fantastic piece to study in terms of structure and execution.
3/4 of the film operate as a tragic Family Drama. It's easy to forget that you paid to watch a "Horror" film. The acting and writing are so superb that you're convinced this film is a dread-soaked tale about loss, guilt, and grudge-holding.
It is. But it isn't. By the time the credits roll, you'll feel a sort of evil presence (a dreadful haunting, if you will) that sticks with you for some time.
Hereditary is a film that rewards second and third viewings. There are so many hints and pieces that are so easily missed while watching it for the first time. Hereditary is constantly telling you that things are only going to end one way, and when you're able to see/hear the prophetic imagery of that... it's truly chilling.
"Midsommar" Ari Aster's 2nd film, is worth the price of admission. It's almost worth double because watching it gives you a newfound appreciation for Hereditary and Aster's incredible ability to disturb you deep in your core.
Ultimately, Ari Aster has made two Horror films that stand out in a crowd of what would otherwise be predictable jump-scare movies. But Hereditary is a phenomenal achievement in dread, terror, and tragedy.
Ari Aster has gone on to reveal that Hereditary and Midsommar were the only Horror stories he has written so far. It seems like, genre-wise, Ari Aster will be moving away from Horror.
TL; DR:
Regardless of what Ari Aster does moving forward, THIS is the film he'll be primarily remembered for. It is a must-see.
(I hope he proves me wrong, because his talent is beyond that of nearly all current Horror writers/directors.)