Truly dreadful in the best way possible.

Rating: 8/10 (7 September 2018)

Many horror films resort to cheap jump scares or gore, both of which desensitize the audience over time. Hereditary is an atmospheric, truly dreadful film. It has a heavy and ominous atmosphere, accompanied by a plot that capitalizes on the audience's feeling of empathy. The family in the film undergoes experiences that are emotionally disturbing, a sense which is masterfully conveyed to the audience. Yes, there are largely dramatic elements in the film, but they bolster the horror element wonderfully. This is a slow burning, grueling experience, as you genuinely feel included in the family's experiences. There are few, if no, jump scares that I recall. The horror is so ingrained in the film that jump scares are not required. One scene involving a bedroom exemplifies this point, though I won't spoil it. See this film, though understand it is not the immature horror flick that offers immediate gratification through gore and jump scares. I left the theater feeling exhausted emotionally.