The Inheritance (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Director Alejandro Brugués, the mastermind behind cult classics like Juan of the Dead and segments in Nightmare Cinema and Satanic Hispanics, returns with a fresh take on a familiar horror narrative in The Inheritance (2024). This supernatural thriller borrows elements from iconic films like Ready or Not and The Fall of the House of Usher, adding Brugués’ unique directorial flair to elevate the material. If you’re curious where to watch The Inheritance online and whether it’s worth your time, keep reading for a detailed review and streaming options.
Plot Overview: An Unforgiving Family Reunion
The Inheritance kicks off with a gripping premise: Charles Abernathy (Bob Gunton), a wealthy and ruthless businessman, summons his estranged children to his remote estate for his 75th birthday. However, this isn’t a celebration—it’s a matter of life and death. Charles reveals that he made a Faustian bargain in his past, ensuring his family’s success but at a great personal cost. Now, the time has come for the debt to be paid, and a supernatural force is coming for him. His only hope for survival lies in his children, but if he dies, they will lose their substantial inheritance, with the fortune instead going to charity.
The film’s tension centers around this high-stakes family reunion, with each child—accompanied by Drew’s wife, Hannah (Briana Middleton)—forced to confront their darkest fears. As the mansion locks down, the Abernathy family must work together to protect their father from the sinister force that threatens not just their lives but also their financial future.
Direction and Cinematography: Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Alejandro Brugués’ directorial style brings a visual flair that sets The Inheritance apart from other haunted house or family curse films. Known for his ability to blend horror with dark humor, Brugués uses clever camera angles and atmospheric settings to create tension. The mansion, filmed at the Gothic-style Hatley Castle in British Columbia, provides the perfect eerie backdrop for the unfolding drama.
One standout sequence involves a tense underwater scene that calls back to Jaws—but with a supernatural twist. The camera work is dynamic, and Brugués’ use of practical effects enhances the sense of dread without relying on excessive CGI. The film’s pacing also keeps the audience engaged, even when the plot treads familiar ground.
The Cast: Stellar Performances Carry the Film
Veteran actor Bob Gunton delivers a standout performance as Charles Abernathy, the patriarch haunted by his past sins. Gunton’s portrayal is both commanding and vulnerable, perfectly capturing the essence of a man who knows he is running out of time. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Austin Stowell as Drew, the reluctant son who must reconcile with his father’s dark legacy, and Briana Middleton as Hannah, the empathetic outsider who becomes more involved than she ever expected.
The rest of the Abernathy family consists of a typical dysfunctional set of characters, from the cutthroat businesswoman Madeline (Rachel Nichols) to the vapid social media influencer Kami (Peyton List). While the characters lack depth in terms of development, the actors make the most of their roles, especially in the film’s more intense moments.
Script and Storyline: Formulaic Yet Entertaining
Written by Chris LaMont and Joe Russo, The Inheritance struggles with a formulaic and predictable script. The setup—an estranged family forced to band together to survive a night of supernatural horrors—is something we’ve seen before in films like House on Haunted Hill and Ready or Not. The dialogue is often uninspired, and the characters don’t undergo significant growth, which limits emotional investment.
However, what the film lacks in originality, it compensates for with sheer entertainment value. Brugués injects enough creativity into the death scenes and plot twists to keep viewers engaged, even if the outcome is somewhat predictable. The supernatural antagonist, though underdeveloped, provides some genuinely creepy moments, especially during the film’s climactic sequences.
The Supernatural Element: A Mixed Bag
One of the film’s weaker aspects is its handling of the supernatural force targeting Charles Abernathy. While the premise of a demonic contract is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired. The movie reveals little about the nature of this force until the final act, making it difficult for the audience to fully grasp the stakes. Still, Brugués manages to craft some memorable horror set pieces, such as a painting that comes to life and a sequence involving haunted historical artifacts.
Where to Watch The Inheritance Online
As of October 2024, The Inheritance is available for streaming on several platforms, particularly in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase the movie through Amazon Prime Video. This platform often offers 4K streaming options and additional bonus features.
- Vudu: Another popular option for renting or buying digital movies. Vudu also supports 4K streaming and is known for its frequent promotional offers.
- Apple TV+: Available for rent or purchase through Apple’s platform, offering high-quality streaming options.
- Google Play: Offers both rental and purchase options for the movie, which can be streamed across various devices.
Unfortunately, as of now, The Inheritance is not available on Netflix, despite early associations with the platform. Netflix passed on the project, leaving the movie to find a home with other distributors.
Final Verdict: A Decent, If Predictable, Horror Experience
The Inheritance may not reinvent the horror genre, but it provides a solid dose of suspense and supernatural thrills. Alejandro Brugués’ direction elevates what could have been a forgettable film, and the cast’s performances add depth to an otherwise formulaic script. While the movie lacks the originality to make it a must-see, it’s a serviceable option for horror fans looking for a quick, entertaining watch.
If you’re in the mood for a spooky night in, The Inheritance is worth checking out, especially if you enjoy haunted house thrillers with a touch of family drama.
