Harefooted Halloween: Hereditary

What I Liked: No jump scares!  Amazing!

Well shot, well cast and well acted.

The family history shit is crazy and makes you feel really sorry for all members.

What I Didn’t Like: The story is slightly confusing.  In fact first time writer/director Ari Aster must’ve known his movie wasn’t very clear because he adds in a block of dialogue at the end to explain what you just witnessed.  You definitely should not have to do that.

The payoff isn’t great.  In these atmospheric horror films that isn’t always the most important thing but in this case there weren’t enough other good moments to make up for it.

Overall Impressions: People have been raving about this one nonstop calling it one of the scariest pictures ever made and all that kinda hype.  I can half see why it’s getting so much attention.  The lack of jump scares in exchange for eerie imagery and unpredictability is a good swap.  However, I don’t think the movie is quite as smart as it thinks it is. 

The main issue is the spotty script.  This film should not work but it goes the distance on pretty shots and outstanding performances.  SPOILERS FOR THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH But plot-wise one of the many things I don’t get is that if it’s so essential for the cult to channel the daughter’s spirit into a new body then why don’t they just do it by force?  Why don’t they kidnap the son, tie him down and perform the ritual?  Actually, does it even need to be the son’s body?  And if it does then why do they possess him to smash his head against his desk and allow him to throw himself through the attic window?  You’d think they would want his body to be pristine and not all fucked up.  Or did he die?  Is suicide part of the ritual?  Despite the piece of dialogue inserted at the end none of this is explained.

This is a slow burn and to be honest I’m generally not into slow burn horror movies.  It’s too much work for the usually disappointing reward.   

This is just an alright picture.  The technical filmmaking is very good but I question the story choices.  The horrible family drama parts are fantastic and where the movie shines.  That should’ve been the focus in my opinion.  Leave out the supernatural shit and the weird ending and have this be about a family with the worst fucking luck in the entire world.  Every member goes through some insane ordeal where it’s a myriad of tragedies.  That stuff is so much more interesting and handled so much better than the horror bits.