Hereditary (2018)

Detailed Summary

The Graham Family Tragedy

The film opens with the death of the Graham family matriarch, Ellen. Her daughter, Annie (Toni Collette), is a miniature artist who lives with her husband, Steve (Gabriel Byrne), their teenage son, Peter (Alex Wolff), and their 13-year-old daughter, Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Ellen’s death brings an unsettling air to the family, especially affecting Annie and Charlie.

Charlie’s Death

Charlie, who displays odd behavior and has a deep connection to her grandmother, dies tragically in a car accident. Peter swerves to avoid an animal, causing Charlie, who is suffering an allergic reaction, to be decapitated by a telephone pole. This devastating event plunges the family into deeper grief and turmoil.

Annie’s Descent into Madness

Annie attends a support group and befriends Joan (Ann Dowd), who introduces her to the occult. Joan teaches Annie how to perform a séance to communicate with Charlie. Annie becomes increasingly obsessed with contacting her deceased daughter, leading to a series of horrifying supernatural events.

The Discovery of the Cult

Annie discovers her mother was involved in a cult worshiping the demon Paimon and intended to use Charlie as a host for Paimon. The family realizes too late that supernatural forces are manipulating them.

The Climax

Annie becomes possessed and violently attacks her family. Peter is pursued by his possessed mother and witnesses the horrifying aftermath of the cult’s influence. He leaps out of a window to escape, and as he lies unconscious, Paimon possesses him. The cult members gather and crown Peter as the new host for Paimon, completing their sinister ritual.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Peter, now possessed by Paimon, being crowned by the cult members in the treehouse. Joan addresses him as “Charlie” and reveals that they have succeeded in summoning Paimon into his new male host. The final scene is both chilling and tragic, highlighting the family’s complete destruction at the hands of the cult.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Hereditary” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Hereditary” is a psychological horror film with strong elements of supernatural and family drama. It delves into themes of grief, mental illness, and the occult.

Cast

• Toni Collette as Annie Graham
• Alex Wolff as Peter Graham
• Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham
• Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham
• Ann Dowd as Joan

Film Music and Composer

Colin Stetson composed the film’s score, creating eerie and unsettling music that enhances the movie’s tense and disturbing atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• Utah, USA: The film was primarily shot in Utah, utilizing the state’s varied landscapes to create an isolated and eerie setting for the Graham family’s home and surrounding areas.

Awards and Nominations

• Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Toni Collette).
• Gotham Independent Film Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Toni Collette).
• Fangoria Chainsaw Awards: Won Best Actress (Toni Collette) and Best Wide Release Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Ari Aster drew inspiration from his personal experiences with grief and family dynamics.
• Toni Collette initially resisted doing another horror film but found the script’s depth and complexity convincing.
• Milly Shapiro, who plays Charlie, had to undergo extensive prosthetic makeup for her character’s unique look.

Inspirations and References

• Personal Grief: Ari Aster drew from his own experiences with grief and loss.
• Occult Research: The film’s depiction of the cult and its rituals was based on extensive research into occult practices and demonology.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings for “Hereditary.” The final cut of the film closely follows Ari Aster’s original vision. Some deleted scenes, included in the home release, provide additional character background and development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Hereditary” is an original screenplay by Ari Aster and is not based on any book.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Charlie’s Decapitation: The shocking and pivotal moment that changes the course of the film.
• Séance Scene: Annie’s desperate attempt to contact Charlie, which unleashes supernatural horrors.
• Annie’s Breakdown: Toni Collette’s powerful performance as she confronts her family’s traumatic history.
• Final Confrontation: The intense climax where Annie, possessed, pursues Peter through the house.

Iconic Quotes

• “I never wanted to be your mother.” – Annie Graham
• “Don’t you ever raise your voice at me! I am your mother!” – Annie Graham
• “Who is going to take care of me?” – Charlie Graham

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The symbol of Paimon appears throughout the film, subtly foreshadowing the cult’s influence.
• The model houses Annie creates reflect events and emotions within the family, serving as a visual metaphor.

Trivia

• Director Ari Aster made the cast watch classic horror films like “Rosemary’s Baby” to set the tone.
• The film’s unsettling atmosphere was enhanced by practical effects and minimal CGI.
• Alex Wolff requested not to be called by his real name during filming to stay in character.

Why Watch?

“Hereditary” is a masterclass in psychological horror, featuring an unforgettable performance by Toni Collette and a deeply unsettling narrative. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of family trauma, mental illness, and the supernatural.

Director’s Other Movies

• Midsommar (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Witch (2015)
• The Babadook (2014)
• Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• It Follows (2014)