Hereditary

An unrelenting and visceral horror that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Ari Aster delves into themes of grief and generational trauma; delivering a fantastic family drama that utilises horror to accentuate their tragedy. I loved the use of miniatures to add depth to the characters and how Aster keeps hidden details in plain sight for repeat viewings. The cinematography is beautiful and haunting. Most of it consists of slow and methodical static camerawork, providing a cold and detached tone throughout. Making nearly every moment feel agonising to watch. Toni Colette is incredible. One of the best performances in a horror film. Her grief and rage is both tragic and horrifying. Alex Wolff is unbelievably sympathetic and holds his own exceptionally well against the rest of the cast. Gabriel Byrne is great and Milly Shapiro is unsettling. The score is an assault on the senses. Colin Stetson's composition is filled with droning and experimental orchestration that elicits a spine-tingling atmosphere throughout. Absolutely fantastic. Watching this family try to deal with the horror that is thrust upon them is ultimately, very akin to a Greek tragedy. No matter how much they try to rekindle their family and move past the devastation that befalls them; they soon succumb to their fates. Wish more horror films could make me recoil as much as this film does. 10/10