Hereditary is a chilling psychological horror film directed by Ari Aster in his feature directorial debut. The film follows the Graham family—a seemingly ordinary family whose lives are turned upside down following the death of their secretive matriarch, Ellen.

The film stars Toni Collette, who delivers a career-defining performance as Annie Graham, a mother who, along with her husband Steve (played by Gabriel Byrne), begins to unravel dark family secrets that have haunted them for generations.

After the passing of Ellen, Annie begins to experience disturbing, inexplicable events that seem to be connected to her late mother’s occult practices. As the family copes with their grief, Annie tries to make sense of her troubled past, and the deeper she digs, the more horrifying the truth becomes. The film gradually reveals that the Graham family has been entangled in a curse—one that may involve demonic forces beyond their comprehension.

At the heart of Hereditary is Annie’s strained relationship with her children, particularly her daughter, Charlie (played by Milly Shapiro), who exhibits bizarre, unsettling behavior. After a tragic and traumatic event occurs, the family’s situation spirals further into madness. Annie’s attempts to protect her family become futile as she begins to lose control over her own sanity and her desperate attempts to confront the dark forces threatening them.

Hereditary is a masterclass in horror, blending supernatural elements with profound emotional drama. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and generational curses, using its eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension to draw the audience into its dark and unsettling world. The movie is noted for its disturbing imagery, unexpected plot twists, and deeply unsettling tone, leaving a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll.

Toni Collette’s haunting performance is central to the film’s success, as her portrayal of a mother slowly losing her mind under the weight of her family’s horrifying secrets is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Hereditary is a modern horror masterpiece, one that moves beyond jump scares and relies on psychological terror to create an unnerving experience that lingers long after the film has ended.