Surprising, But I'm Not Completely Into It

Rating: 7/10 (24 January 2019)

You know, in many ways, "Hereditary" could be one of the best-looking, and most well-made horror films in years. In other ways, a horror afficianado like myself-who's seen almost everything out there-won't be phased by this movie much. There are some genuinely creepy things in "Hereditary", but there's a lot of silliness to it, as well. There are some big surprises, and yet there are some oddball, bizarre things that I think make the film a little laughable. But I actually did like it, despite the barely-above-average rating I've given it. It's a solid flick. It clearly had a brain behind it, whom actually cared about the project, I believe.
The cast was mostly great, but, frankly, I can't stand the little girl or the mother. At least I could relate to the mother. That little girl was getting on my last nerve, clicking her tongue over and over again. She wasn't bad, but her habits were driving me bonkers. The mother was too busy hating her son for a horrific tragedy that happens to their whole family, for most of the film, for the actress to actually give a really great performance. She's certainly not bad, but I do believe she could have been exceptional. The father and son, I believe, did exceptionally well-but, especially, the father actor. The man was freaking brilliant! One of the best performances I've seen in years, when it comes to the horror genre!
The writing is aiming for a tone that's much more about grief, loss, and hefty, drowning depression a family can go through. And it works beautifully, in that regard. For a good half-hour of the film, I wasn't engaged very much. It was okay. Average, at best. But then something completely unexpected happened, and the execution of the film, after that, drastically improved, until it went right up my alley for intrigue. I believe some parts, in the third act, were what kind of lowered my excitement again, even though I believe the ending to be immensely chilling-again, not so much for the content as the execution of that very content. I've said it before, but let me restate: it's a very bizarre, weird film, but I think mainstream audiences will be much more interested in this movie than-let's say- something like "The Witch" (which I absolutely hated, for the most part).
The atmosphere of "Hereditary" is what kept me going, as well. I really dug how dark the film was, even if I thought a few events were laughable. It CAN be scary, and it doesn't try too hard to do that. A film this felt so much like, when it comes to the atmosphere, was "Sinister". If you enjoy the long points of silence leading-up to pure terror in "Sinister", then I must recommend "Hereditary" to you, because that's constantly how it feels.
The music was absolutely brilliant, and eerie. Very "Silent Hill"-esque, in my opinion. It helps build the terrifying atmosphere super well, and I would even say I'd buy the soundtrack, due to how good the music was, here. It was very well-implemented.
The cinematography and sets (mainly the house of the family we follow, since that's where most of the film takes place) are extraordinary. It was all so vivid, and the directing added a dreamlike (more nightmarish, honestly) texture to the film that I think you'd have a hard time forgetting. Again: there was nothing but passion put into this film, and I appreciate that, even if I'm not in love with the movie, overall.
There aren't many jumpscares, either, if you happen to be wondering. But I would say the scares are mostly implemented in the third act-where they can be very hit-or-miss for a major horror fan. This is not a date night-type horror film to take your teenaged girlfriend to. This is a FILM-a real piece of cinema that's dark and haunting. Haunting is the best word to use for "Hereditary". The feeling still hasn't washed-off of me after almost going twenty-four hours after seeing it. It feels like a primal type of fear, or something; I'm not sure how to explain it to someone who hasn't seen it yet. It's just so DIFFERENT, and I'm happy about that, also.
I'm a little surprised that so many people love the movie, and are preaching its gospel everywhere, to everyone. I liked it, but I didn't come close to adoring it. I'm glad, as well-put-together as it was, that it's audience has really come to adopt it and cherish it. I don't even think you could refer to this as more of a cult hit; it's actually good, unlike a lot of cult-fandom films.
I'm impressed, and you might be, too, if you try this movie out, sometime. So give it a shot, pal.