Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster's debut feature is a slow-burning, deeply unsettling horror film about grief, family trauma, and a darkness that cannot be outrun.
Hereditary - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hereditary
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Ari Aster
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 7, 2018 (Argentina - 16), June 8, 2018 (United States - R), June 8, 2018 (Canada - 14A), June 15, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), June 14, 2018 (Germany - 16), June 13, 2018 (France - 12), June 21, 2018 (India - A), June 7, 2018 (New Zealand - R16), June 7, 2018 (Australia - MA15+), June 21, 2018 (Brazil - 16), June 8, 2018 (Mexico - B-15), July 25, 2018 (Italy - VM14), June 22, 2018 (Spain - 16), June 7, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Héréditaire (CA), Hereditary: le radici del male (IT), Ondskabens hus (DK), Ayin (TR), 유전 (KR), Hereditary: Das Vermächtnis (DE), Hérédité (FR)
- Production Companies: PalmStar Media, Pulse Films, Finch Entertainment, Windy Hill Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Hereditary - Plot
Following the death of the Leigh family matriarch, Annie and her children uncover disturbing secrets about their heritage. Their daily lives are not only impacted, but they also become entangled in a chilling fate from which they cannot escape, driving them to the brink of madness.
Hereditary - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold from the very first frame:
Every family tree hides a secret.
Where to Watch Hereditary
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Hereditary - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ari Aster
Main Cast
- Toni Collette
- Alex Wolff
- Gabriel Byrne
- Milly Shapiro
- Ann Dowd
- Mallory Bechtel
- Brock McKinney
- Jake Brown
- Morgan Lund
- Christy Summerhays
Writers
- Ari Aster
Producers
- Buddy Patrick
- Lars Knudsen
- Kevin Scott Frakes
Hereditary - FAQs
What is the ending of Hereditary explained?
The ending reveals that the Graham family was manipulated by a cult devoted to Paimon, a demon king. Charlie was Paimon's intended host, but after her death the demon transfers to Peter. The final scenes show Peter's body being crowned as Paimon's earthly vessel, completing the cult's long-planned ritual.
Is Hereditary based on a true story?
Hereditary is not based on a true story. Writer-director Ari Aster crafted an original screenplay drawing on grief, family trauma, and occult mythology. The demon Paimon is rooted in real demonological texts, but the Graham family and their harrowing ordeal are entirely fictional.
Where can you stream or watch Hereditary?
Hereditary is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. For a full and current list of viewing options in your area, check JustWatch.
Who are the main actors in Hereditary?
Hereditary stars Toni Collette as Annie Graham, Alex Wolff as her son Peter, Gabriel Byrne as father Steve, and Milly Shapiro as the unsettling Charlie. Ann Dowd also delivers a memorable supporting performance as Joan, a mysterious woman who befriends Annie after a family tragedy.
How was Hereditary received by critics?
Hereditary was met with widespread critical acclaim upon release, earning a certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Toni Collette's performance as one of the finest in recent horror history, and many hailed Ari Aster's debut feature as a landmark of modern psychological and supernatural horror.
What is the age rating for Hereditary?
Hereditary is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's intense and disturbing horror sequences, graphic violence, strong language, and deeply unsettling thematic content involving grief, mental illness, and the occult. It is not recommended for younger or sensitive viewers.
Who directed Hereditary and what is the runtime?
Hereditary was written and directed by Ari Aster, marking his feature film debut. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. Aster's meticulous pacing and control of dread across that runtime drew widespread comparisons to classic slow-burn horror masterworks.
What are some movies similar to Hereditary?
If you enjoyed Hereditary, consider watching Midsommar (2019), also directed by Ari Aster, as well as The Witch (2016), Us (2019), and Doctor Sleep (2019). These films share Hereditary's emphasis on psychological dread, family dysfunction, and slow-building supernatural menace.
More About Hereditary
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