So much more than just horror

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2018)

Hereditary is hands down the most surprising, upsetting, and well-crafted movie I've seen this year. What makes this movie stand out is that it spends a lot more time than you'd expect setting the stage for a family drama to unfold before transitioning into a full on horror film. That makes you far more sympathetic to the characters and more invested in the final outcome than many other horror movies. Also, the storytelling in this movie needs to be applauded. The audience is never spoon fed answers about what is happening, but just given subtle clues one piece at a time, until the ending where you finally walk away with a complete picture. Also for people who are seeing this movie only for the horror element, it won't be what you are expecting but it also won't disappoint. The director exercised incredible restraint. When watching it you begin to think you sense a jump scare coming that any other movie would have, but instead, the scene fully plays out without one. What this does is build tension through the whole movie, making the ending that much more horrifying because the director finally lets loose. Lastly, I need to mention the acting in this film. Toni Colette and Alex Wolf in particular deliver powerhouse performances that elicit the full range of emotions. Hopefully once Oscar season rolls around, these two won't be forgotten, because their performances are truly worthy of nomination. Over all, if you are a horror fan, film enthusiast, or just want to see a good movie, Hereditary is the movie for you to see.