Nerds That Geek Movie Review: 'Hereditary'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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It really is quite the interesting time for the horror film industry. Because at this particular juncture, a genre that once took every risk imaginable storytelling wise is now content to follow Hollywood’s lead and play it safe as often as possible. Which is why we’ve seen such a flood of remakes and sequels and familiar stories from the genre hit the market because those are in fact, safe bets. They’ll make studios plenty of money, they’ll satisfy the everyday fans and sadly, this glut of mediocre films has left this writer in a salty place.
 
Because for some time now, I’ve been desperate to find a horror film in theaters that leaves me uncomfortable and/or terrified when the lights go low, and few of them have stayed with me long after they’ve ended and while there have been exceptions to the new norm here and there, they’re so far and few between that I’ve resigned myself to watching horror films that are merely a shell of the wonders we used to witness on the big screen. And this is why, when I see advertising for a horror film that makes the claim that this new film will be on par with a classic, I’m instantly skeptical that said movie can live up to such a claim and it’s why I went into Hereditary with low expectations.
 
After all, for weeks now I’ve heard about how it is ‘The Exorcist of the 21st Century’ and well, I hate to say it, but after having watched the film, it’s definitely not that in the slightest. Instead, Hereditary is everything that I’ve been hoping for when it comes to this genre and more because holy cow, this really is a damn good horror film, one that I felt was more on par with films like The Shining and Rosemary’s Baby and it has plenty to offer the audience by way of a fresh and original storyline that finds new ways to disturb and unsettle us and well, when all is said and done, this is a film that has in fact stayed with me for hours on end since I watched it since my brain has been focused upon picking apart the many layers that this movie has to offer. 

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​For this is in fact, ‘a thinkin’ man’s’ horror film for lack of a better phrase because quite frankly, it toys with the audience. Because by injecting a heavy dose of real world concepts in this film, like the power of loss and grief and how they break people, and pairing it with the possibility that some of the characters may be suffering from mental illness, one has to wonder as this movie unfolds as to whether or not we are bearing witness to an utter mental breakdown filled with hallucinations and questionable acts, or if these horrible events are indeed playing out in real time and the ambiguity that this story presents us with when it comes to all of that is what sparks discussion and wonder.
 
But, all of that aside, make no mistake about it, this is a scary and chilling film, one that has something for every horror fan out there. If you’re wanting a little blood and guts, you’ll find it. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, that’s present here too, and I also love the fact that from an aesthetic standpoint, the movie has a genuine claustrophobic feel thanks to its magnificent camera work, something that is so impactful that scenes that are filmed outdoors, still make you feel as though the walls are closing in. But most importantly, the scares work, and you’re going to feel uncomfortable when watching this film, to the point where you’re squirming in your seat and that, in and of itself makes the movie a rousing success.
 
However, none of this works without some quality performances and thankfully, you’ll find that here as well, and while the entire cast delivers when they’re on the screen, Ann Dowd and Toni Collette deserve a shout out here because their work elevates this film and Toni really is at her finest here. If anything, Hereditary is an absolute breath of fresh air for the horror industry, since it serves as a fine reminder that it is still okay for horror films to let loose and take chances with their storylines and I hope we start to see more films like this in the years to follow and whether or not you’re a fan of the genre, I highly recommend that you go out and see this movie. In part to send a message to the industry that you want more films like this, but more importantly because this movie is downright brilliant, and it is undoubtedly going to scare you. 

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