Hereditary (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster, is a 2018 psychological horror film that quickly became a modern classic in the genre. With its intense atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and profound exploration of grief, trauma, and family curses, Hereditary is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, and thematic depth, as well as provide information on where you can stream or purchase Hereditary online in the United States.
Plot Overview: A Family’s Descent into Madness
Hereditary begins with the death of the Graham family matriarch, Ellen. Her daughter, Annie (Toni Collette), a miniatures artist, is left to grapple with the loss while also caring for her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne), son Peter (Alex Wolff), and daughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro). As the family tries to move on, strange and increasingly terrifying events begin to unfold, suggesting that Ellen’s influence is far from gone.
The film gradually reveals the dark secrets that have plagued the family for generations. After a tragic accident befalls Charlie, Annie becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her mother’s life and the sinister forces that seem to be manipulating her family. As she digs deeper, she discovers connections to the occult and begins to unravel psychologically, dragging her family into a nightmarish situation.
Hereditary masterfully builds tension, leading to a harrowing and unforgettable climax that explores the nature of evil and the inescapable bonds of family.
Performance Highlights: A Cast That Elevates Horror to Art
Toni Collette’s performance as Annie is nothing short of extraordinary. Her portrayal of a mother who is slowly losing her grip on reality is both terrifying and heartbreaking. Collette captures the raw emotion of grief and the desperation of a woman who is trying to protect her family from an unseen force. Her performance is widely regarded as one of the best in modern horror, and it elevates the film to a level of psychological intensity that is rarely seen in the genre.
Alex Wolff also delivers a powerful performance as Peter, Annie’s teenage son, who is burdened with guilt and confusion as he witnesses his family’s disintegration. Wolff’s portrayal of Peter’s fear and vulnerability is deeply affecting, adding to the film’s emotional weight.
Milly Shapiro, as the enigmatic and unsettling Charlie, brings a haunting presence to the screen. Her character’s odd behavior and unsettling drawings add to the film’s eerie atmosphere, making her a central figure in the film’s creeping sense of dread.
Gabriel Byrne’s performance as Steve, the stoic and rational father trying to hold the family together, provides a counterbalance to the escalating madness around him. His understated performance grounds the film, highlighting the contrast between the supernatural horror and the very real psychological trauma the family is experiencing.
Direction and Cinematography: A Vision of Horror
Ari Aster’s direction in Hereditary is a masterclass in building tension and atmosphere. He meticulously crafts each scene to evoke a sense of unease, using lingering shots, disorienting camera angles, and a slow-burn approach to horror that keeps the audience on edge. Aster’s use of sound design, with its unsettling drones and sudden silences, amplifies the film’s tension and contributes to its oppressive atmosphere.
The film’s cinematography, by Pawel Pogorzelski, is striking and often claustrophobic. The Graham family home, with its dim lighting and maze-like hallways, becomes a character in itself, reflecting the dark secrets and twisted history of the family. The use of miniatures—both in Annie’s artwork and in the film’s visual design—adds a surreal quality to the film, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the horror to unfold gradually, which makes the eventual climax all the more shocking. Aster’s willingness to explore deeply uncomfortable and taboo subjects sets Hereditary apart from typical horror films, making it a profoundly unsettling experience.
Themes and Interpretation: Grief, Trauma, and the Unseen Forces
Hereditary is a film rich in themes, particularly its exploration of grief and trauma. The film delves into the ways in which unresolved grief can manifest in destructive ways, both psychologically and, in the case of Hereditary, supernaturally. Annie’s struggle to come to terms with her mother’s death and the subsequent tragedies that befall her family is at the heart of the film’s horror.
The film also explores the idea of family curses—both literal and metaphorical. The Graham family is haunted by their past, with secrets and sins passed down through generations. The notion that the characters are doomed by forces beyond their control adds a layer of existential dread to the film.
Hereditary also touches on the theme of mental illness, blurring the lines between psychological breakdown and supernatural possession. The film raises questions about the nature of reality, the power of belief, and the ways in which the past can shape and control the present.
Where to Watch Hereditary Online
Hereditary is available on several streaming platforms and digital rental services in the United States:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Hereditary is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Subscribers can watch the film in high definition, and it can also be rented or purchased for those without a subscription.
- Hulu: The film is available on Hulu with an HBO Max add-on, allowing subscribers to stream it in high definition. Hulu offers the convenience of streaming on a variety of devices.
- HBO Max: Hereditary is also available to stream on HBO Max, offering another option for high-definition viewing. HBO Max is accessible on a wide range of devices, making it easy to watch the film at home or on the go.
Rental/Purchase Options
- Apple iTunes: Apple iTunes offers Hereditary for rent or purchase. The film is available in high definition, and iTunes purchases often include bonus content such as director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes features.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Hereditary can be rented or purchased on Google Play. This platform allows for streaming on Android devices, web browsers, and through Chromecast, providing multiple viewing options.
- Vudu: Vudu provides both rental and purchase options for Hereditary, with high-definition streaming available. Vudu’s service is compatible with a wide range of devices, offering flexibility for viewers.
Final Thoughts
Hereditary is a modern horror masterpiece that combines psychological depth with visceral terror. Ari Aster’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances—particularly by Toni Collette—creates a film that is both emotionally devastating and deeply unsettling.
For those who appreciate horror that challenges the mind as much as it shocks the senses, Hereditary is a must-watch. Its availability on multiple streaming platforms and digital services makes it easy to experience this chilling exploration of family, grief, and the supernatural. Whether you’re a fan of horror or simply looking for a film that will leave a lasting impression, Hereditary is a film that demands to be seen.
