Slow-burn horror that sticks with you

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2019)

When 'Hereditary' first hit the film festival circuit, it garnered a reputation of being one of the most unnerving, scariest movies ever made. Since its official release, this reputation has held up.
Written and directed by Ari Aster, 'Hereditary' is chilling on a number of levels, including how it was filmed. From the opening scene, it's clear that the techniques used in the film can make all the difference in how it translates to the audience. The use of slow pans, long stationary shots and silence throughout the film ratchet up the fear factor beyond what's expressly shown on screen. On the latter point, however, there are a few scenes that are so grotesque that you can't help but feel your jaw drop and sit in a state of shock. These scenes come out of left field and really stay with you long after the credits role, to the point where you feel the need to take a shower.
But what makes 'Hereditary' what it is is the people profiled. Toni Collette's performance is deserving of an award, as her emotional range is tested throughout the film. Alex Wolff transforms from an annoying kid to a dead behind the eyes teen who captivates with his expressionless face. Milly Shapiro plays what is without question the most disturbed young girls to ever walk the earth. And Ann Dowd delivers a performance that can only be described as hauntingly matronly. The Graham family undergoes so much pain that it's hard to understand what could have warranted this. By the film's climax, however, things fall into place.
If you're expecting 'Hereditary' to be your run-of-the-mill horror entry, think again. This isn't for the faint of heart.