Hereditary Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family deals with grief by accidentally summoning a demon, and things get really, really headless.

🍿 Hereditary: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Funeral and Initial Unsettling Events

The film opens with the death of Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, deeply affecting her daughter Annie, her son Steve, and their two children, Peter and Charlie. Annie, an artist specializing in miniature dioramas, delivers a eulogy hinting at a complex relationship with her mother. Strange occurrences begin almost immediately, particularly involving Charlie, a peculiar young girl with unusual habits and a close bond with her deceased grandmother. These early scenes establish a sense of unease and foreshadow the escalating horror to come. Charlie’s behavior becomes increasingly strange, and Annie experiences unsettling visions, contributing to a growing atmosphere of dread within the Graham household.

Charlie’s Death and its Aftermath

A pivotal and shocking event occurs when Peter takes Charlie to a party, against his better judgment. Due to Peter’s negligence, Charlie unknowingly eats cake containing nuts, triggering a severe allergic reaction. While rushing her to the hospital, Peter swerves to avoid an animal, and Charlie is tragically decapitated by a telephone pole. This horrific accident sends the family into deep despair and further unravels their already fragile dynamic. Peter is wracked with guilt, Annie becomes increasingly unstable, and Steve tries desperately to hold the family together amidst the escalating chaos and grief.

The Séance and Supernatural Escalation

Desperate to cope with her grief, Annie is introduced to Joan, a seemingly kind woman from her grief support group. Joan convinces Annie to participate in a séance, promising a chance to communicate with Charlie. This act opens the door to a series of increasingly disturbing supernatural events. The séances unleash a malevolent presence within the Graham household, intensifying the family’s paranoia and driving them further into madness. Annie’s sleepwalking episodes become more frequent and violent, and Peter begins to experience terrifying visions and psychological torment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Annie (Toni Collette): A miniature artist and grieving mother, Annie unravels as she confronts a sinister family legacy and her own mental instability.
• Peter (Alex Wolff): The teenage son, Peter, struggles with guilt and trauma after a tragic accident, becoming the unwilling vessel for a demonic entity.
• Charlie (Milly Shapiro): The strange and unsettling daughter, Charlie, is marked from birth for a sinister purpose within a demonic cult’s plan.
• Steve (Gabriel Byrne): The level-headed father, Steve, attempts to maintain stability within his family as they descend into supernatural chaos, ultimately becoming a victim of the cult.
• Joan (Ann Dowd): A seemingly kind and supportive woman, Joan manipulates Annie into dark occult practices as part of a long-term demonic plot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Annie: “I am your mother!” – Screamed during a heated argument with Peter, highlighting the raw emotion and familial breakdown.
• Charlie: “I am Paimon.” – Whispered by Charlie in one of the earlier scenes foreshadowing the demonic influence and the ultimate destiny of the Graham family.
• Annie: “I never wanted to be your mother!” – Confessed during a moment of extreme emotional vulnerability, revealing the deep-seated resentment and pain within the family.
• Joan: “I expel you!” – Chanted by Joan, signaling her role as a cult member, a warning to the Graham family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,069,456
• Worldwide Gross: $87,819,062

💥 Hereditary Reviews

Personal Review

Wow. This movie messed me up. I went in expecting scares, but what I got was a profound sense of dread. Toni Collette’s performance is incredible; I was genuinely terrified for her and her family. The scene where she confronts her son at the dinner table gave me chills – the raw emotion was palpable. The ending is bonkers, but in a way that’s strangely satisfying. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological horror films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate slow-burn storytelling”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of grief, family trauma, and the occult”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and disturbing cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Themes of grief and family trauma”
  • “Depictions of demonic possession”
  • “Disturbing scenes involving children”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Hereditary transcends typical horror tropes with its stunning visuals and powerful performances. Toni Collette delivers a career-defining role, capturing the raw emotion and descent into madness. The film is a masterclass in psychological horror, building tension slowly but relentlessly. It’s a disturbing and unforgettable experience that lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying Ari Aster as a major talent in the genre.
• IndieWire: “Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a chilling, emotionally raw exploration of family trauma disguised as a horror film. The film defies genre expectations, offering a sophisticated, unnerving experience. The performances are exceptional, with Toni Collette delivering a tour-de-force portrayal of a mother unravelling. A slow-burn masterpiece that elevates the horror genre.

Audience Reactions

Toni Collette’s performance was absolutely phenomenal and haunting.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to create a lasting sense of unease and the outstanding performances.

The shocking plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat; truly disturbing.: Audiences applauded the unique storytelling and the film’s deviation from standard horror tropes.

Overall Consensus: A disturbing and unconventional horror film elevated by exceptional performances, though some found the ending divisive.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Toni Collette initially hesitated to take the role, as she wanted to avoid heavy, dark films, but the script was too compelling to pass up.”
• “The film’s opening shot, transitioning from a window view to a dollhouse bedroom, was meticulously planned to establish the theme of manipulation and control.”
• “Milly Shapiro, who played Charlie, brought a unique and unsettling presence to the role, contributing to the film’s overall eerie atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hereditary?

Hereditary is available to stream on platforms such as Paramount+ and through various rental or purchase options on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite on-demand options. For physical media collectors, the film is available on Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hereditary, you might like these similar films:

• Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Shares themes of demonic influence, manipulation, and a mother’s struggle against sinister forces.
• The Witch (2015): Focuses on a family’s descent into paranoia and horror due to supernatural elements and religious extremism.
• The Babadook (2014): Explores themes of grief, mental breakdown, and a mother’s struggle with a malevolent entity.
• Saint Maud (2019): Explores themes of religious extremism, psychological horror, and a descent into madness.

🛒 Hereditary Related Products

• Hereditary (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A must-have for horror fans, this edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. It offers deeper insights into the making of the film.
• Hereditary Movie Poster: High-quality print of the film’s iconic poster, a perfect addition to any horror enthusiast’s collection and ideal for sprucing up your dorm, bedroom, and more!
• The Art of Hereditary: Miniature Dioramas Book: Explore the intricate miniature dioramas that play a pivotal role in the film. This book offers a visual feast for fans, showcasing the artistry and symbolism behind these unsettling creations.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hereditary features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Funeral” – performed by Colin Stetson
• “Charlie” – performed by Colin Stetson
• “Reborn” – performed by Colin Stetson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

HEREDITARY (2018) Ending + Story Explained

Ever wondered what the cryptic ending of ‘Hereditary’ really meant? This video breaks it down for you, explaining the intricate plot and themes.

Hereditary | What The Script Teaches Us

Did you know there’s a hidden world of details in the ‘Hereditary’ script? This video uncovers them, offering a deeper understanding of the film’s construction.

INSANE Hidden Details In HEREDITARY That Make It One Of The Creepiest Horrors EVER

If you thought you knew ‘Hereditary’ inside out, think again! This video unveils a treasure trove of hidden details, making you appreciate the film’s creepiness even more.

HEREDITARY (2018) Explained

Need help understanding the haunting world of ‘Hereditary’? This comprehensive explanation breaks down the film’s plot, characters, and themes, leaving no stone unturned.

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