Hereditary
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Hereditary
Hereditary (2018) is a critically acclaimed supernatural horror film that explores themes of grief, family trauma, and the insidious nature of inherited mental illness and occult forces. The movie centers on the Graham family, particularly artist Annie Graham, after the death of her secretive mother, Ellen. As the family grapples with their loss, they uncover increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry and find themselves subjected to a malevolent presence. Known for its intense atmosphere, psychological dread, and shocking imagery rather than cheap jump scares, the film has been lauded for its masterful direction and Toni Collette's harrowing performance. It is intended for mature audiences due to its graphic content and profoundly disturbing themes.
Things to Consider
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Strictly 17+. Hereditary is rated R by the MPAA for "horror violence, disturbing images, language, drug use and brief graphic nudity". Common Sense Media also recommends it for ages 17+ due to its extremely dark, disturbing content, graphic imagery, and relentlessly bleak emotional tone, which can be genuinely traumatic even for adult viewers. The film deals with child death and family trauma in deeply upsetting ways, making it unsuitable for younger audiences or most teens.
Good to Know
Hereditary is a standalone film and does not have direct sequels or adaptations that introduce new or intensified content in the same narrative. Director Ari Aster's subsequent film, 'Midsommar,' explores different folk horror themes. The theatrical cut of 'Hereditary' runs for 2 hours and 7 minutes, and while a longer 3-hour cut with 30 additional scenes existed, the director has stated the theatrical cut is the definitive version and a director's cut is unlikely to be released.
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