Hereditary

Hereditary

Year: 2018

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Ari Aster

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

As the matriarch's legacy unravels, her descendants are drawn into a web of eerie revelations, unearthing the dark history that has haunted their family for generations. With each disturbing truth, they're forced to confront the malevolent force that threatens to consume them, and the sinister fate that's been passed down through their lineage.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Hereditary yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Hereditary (2018)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Hereditary (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, showcasing modern family dynamics and the challenges of mental health. This present-day setting allows viewers to connect with the characters' struggles in a relatable manner, heightening the horror elements of the story.

Location

Treehouse, Workshop, Cemetery, Peter's School

The story takes place across several significant locations, starting with a treehouse where Charlie spends her time, providing a sense of innocence amidst the dark events. The workshop is where Annie creates her eerie dioramas, which reflect the family's turmoil and grief. The cemetery signifies the loss that triggers a chain of tragic events. Lastly, Peter's school serves as the backdrop for a pivotal scene involving a deceased bird, symbolizing the darker themes of the film.

🏡 Home 📚 School ⚰️ Cemetery

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Main Characters – Hereditary (2018)
Meet the key characters of Hereditary (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Graham (Gabriel Byrne)

Steve is a conflicted patriarch who strives to hold his family together in the face of profound tragedy. His protective instinct clashes with his inability to cope with his own grief, leading to tension in family dynamics. As events spiral out of control, Steve's struggle becomes a poignant reflection of a father's heartbreak.

🧔 Dad 😟 Grief 💔 Conflict

Peter Graham (Alex Wolff)

Peter is a typical teenager who experiences a shocking transformation throughout the film. Initially focused on typical teen concerns, his character is thrust into a nightmare that forces him to confront dark realities. His guilt and despair after Charlie's accident reflect the film’s exploration of trauma and horror.

👦 Teen 😖 Guilt 🎭 Transformation

Charlie Graham (Milly Shapiro)

Charlie is a curious and uniquely troubled child whose peculiar behavior hints at the underlying horror of the family's legacy. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the film's tragic events. Charlie's fate acts as a catalyst for the unraveling of the family's sanity and serves as a haunting reminder of the cost of grief.

👧 Innocence 🤔 Curiosity 🕯️ Tragedy

Annie Graham (Toni Collette)

Annie is an artist grappling with the pain of her past and the loss of her mother. Her descent into obsession with the supernatural and grief manifests through her artwork, ultimately leading to tragic decisions. Her character epitomizes the struggle between managing grief and confronting dark family secrets.

🎨 Artist 😫 Obsession 💀 Grief

Joan (Ann Dowd)

Joan is a mysterious figure who becomes intertwined with Annie's journey through grief. Her introduction of the supernatural further complicates Annie's already fragile mental state. Joan represents both a guiding light and an ominous presence, reflecting the duality of compassion and manipulation in times of loss.

🕵️‍♀️ Mysterious 😔 Support 🖤 Manipulation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Major Themes – Hereditary (2018)
Explore the central themes of Hereditary (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😢 Grief

Grief looms large over the narrative as it explores the impact of losing a loved one. Each character navigates their sorrow in distinct ways, leading to isolation and despair. The theme is compounded by the tragic accidents and supernatural occurrences, illustrating how grief can manifest into darker experiences and actions.

👻 Supernatural

The supernatural elements are intricately woven into the family's story, with ghostly visions and dark forces emerging as central to their plight. These eerie occurrences serve as a manifestation of their unresolved trauma, culminating in a terrifying exploration of legacy and the supernatural ties that bind them to their past.

😱 Horror

The film embodies psychological horror through its unsettling atmosphere and shocking events. The gradual unveiling of family secrets and the presence of malevolent entities create a sense of dread. The horror stems not only from external forces but also from within the family, highlighting how personal struggles can lead to terrifying consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Similar Movies to Hereditary
Discover movies like Hereditary that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.