The monster in the horror film Hereditary is King Paimon, a powerful demon from ancient mythology. This terrifying entity seeks a male host to fully inhabit the physical world, and his presence drives the tragic events that plague the Graham family1. But Paimon’s influence extends beyond simple possession, weaving a complex web of inherited trauma, mental illness, and insidious manipulation. Let’s delve deeper into the lore, symbolism, and psychological intricacies surrounding this malevolent force.
Hereditary, Ari Aster’s directorial debut, shocked audiences and critics alike with its disturbing portrayal of grief, mental illness, and the occult. The film’s ending left many viewers with lingering questions, particularly about the nature of the evil that haunts the Graham family. To understand the true horror of Hereditary, we need to explore the origins and motivations of King Paimon.
Paimon: The King of Hell
King Paimon is one of 72 demons described in demonology texts like The Lesser Key of Solomon, a 17th-century grimoire2. He is often depicted as a crowned figure riding a dromedary, leading a procession of spirits with trumpets and cymbals4. While he can grant wishes and reveal hidden knowledge, Paimon demands obedience and thrives on manipulation5. In Hereditary, Paimon’s sigil, a symbol of his power, appears throughout the film, foreshadowing the family’s grim fate6.
One crucial aspect of Paimon is his preference for a male host1. He is said to become “livid and vengeful” when offered a female host. This dissatisfaction stems from Paimon’s nature as a male entity who “covets a male human body.” 3 The cult’s initial attempt to bring Paimon into the world through Annie’s brother failed, leading them to focus on her son, Peter1. Charlie, Peter’s sister, becomes an unintended vessel, a mistake that the cult desperately tries to rectify.
The Cult of Paimon
The Graham family’s tragedy is orchestrated by a cult that worships Paimon3. Led by Annie’s mother, Ellen, the cult seeks to bring Paimon into the physical world by offering him a male host1. Their efforts are evident in the subtle clues scattered throughout the film, such as the symbols carved into a telephone pole just before Charlie’s death7. The cult’s manipulation of Annie, exploiting her grief and vulnerability, highlights the insidious nature of Paimon’s influence3.
Interestingly, the film’s portrayal of the occult draws inspiration from the real-life figure of Aleister Crowley, an infamous occultist and member of The Order of the Golden Dawn8. Like Crowley, who operated in secrecy and sought to control others from behind the scenes, the cult in Hereditary manipulates the Graham family, pulling the strings of their lives without their knowledge. This connection to real-world occultism adds another layer of chilling realism to the film’s depiction of demonic forces.
Paimon’s Motives and Behavior
Paimon’s behavior in Hereditary is not always consistent, adding to the unsettling nature of his presence9. When he possesses Annie, he acts with aggression and malice, driving her to commit horrific acts. However, when he finally inhabits Peter, he appears almost innocent and ignorant, as if unaware of the events that transpired. This inconsistency could be attributed to several factors:
- Incomplete Possession: When Paimon possesses Annie, it’s a temporary and incomplete takeover. He is using her as a means to an end, and his true nature is not fully revealed.
- Ritualistic Transfer: Peter’s possession is the culmination of a long-planned ritual, allowing Paimon to fully integrate into a male host. This complete possession might result in a different manifestation of his personality and behavior.
- Symbolic Representation: Paimon’s varying behavior could symbolize the different ways in which trauma and mental illness can manifest in individuals. Annie’s aggressive possession might represent the explosive and destructive nature of grief, while Peter’s seemingly innocent possession could symbolize the quiet desperation and detachment associated with depression.
The Psychological Horror of Hereditary
Hereditary masterfully blends supernatural horror with psychological realism, exploring the devastating impact of inherited trauma and mental illness. Annie’s family history is riddled with mental disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, psychotic depression, and schizophrenia10. These conditions, coupled with the family’s history of secrecy and manipulation, create a fertile ground for Paimon’s influence to take root11. The film blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, leaving the audience to question whether the family’s downfall is a result of mental illness or genuine demonic possession7.
The film delves into the cyclical nature of trauma and abuse within families12. Annie, burdened by her own traumatic childhood and her mother’s manipulative behavior, projects her anxieties and insecurities onto her children, particularly Peter. This creates a toxic dynamic where Peter feels suffocated by his mother’s expectations and haunted by the family’s dark secrets. The film also highlights the different ways in which individuals cope with grief and trauma. Annie’s emotional outbursts and desperate attempts to control her environment contrast with Peter’s quiet detachment and increasing sense of dread.
The performances in Hereditary contribute significantly to its psychological impact. Toni Collette’s portrayal of Annie captures the raw intensity of a woman on the verge of a breakdown, while Alex Wolff’s performance as Peter conveys the chilling sense of helplessness and impending doom that permeates the film13.
Symbolism and Hidden Meanings
Hereditary is laden with symbolism, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Decapitation | Symbolizes the severing of control and the complete domination of Paimon’s will. In occult practices, the head is often considered the seat of the soul, making decapitation a powerful act of spiritual violation7. |
| Miniature Houses and Dioramas | Reflect Annie’s desire to control her environment, mirroring the manipulation exerted by the cult and Paimon. They also symbolize the family’s entrapment and their inability to escape their predetermined fate14. |
| Character Names | Annie’s name, potentially referencing the Hebrew word for “grace” or “favor,” hints at her grandmother’s influence and her own supernatural abilities15. Other names, like Peter (meaning “rock”), might allude to the characters’ roles in the unfolding tragedy. |
| Birds | Charlie’s fascination with birds and her disfigured, bird-like appearance after her death suggest a connection to the supernatural and her role as a vessel for Paimon15. |
| Blue Light | The recurring blue light or lens flare signifies Paimon’s presence and his influence over the characters7. |
The film also draws parallels to the Greek myth of Heracles16. Like Heracles, who was plagued by the goddess Hera, the Graham family is tormented by a hidden supernatural force connected to their lineage. This connection to mythology adds another layer of depth to the film’s exploration of fate, inherited curses, and the struggle against unseen forces.
Hereditary as Folk Horror
Hereditary can be interpreted as a folk horror film, a subgenre that explores the horrors of rural communities, ancient traditions, and the clash between modernity and the supernatural14. The film’s setting in a remote, isolated house surrounded by woods creates an atmosphere of unease and vulnerability. The presence of a pagan cult, with its rituals and secretive practices, further reinforces the folk horror elements. The film’s exploration of inherited traits and family legacies also aligns with folk horror’s focus on the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of the past.
The Cultural Context of Hereditary
Hereditary taps into societal anxieties surrounding family secrets, mental illness, and the fear of inherited traits12. The film’s exploration of grief and trauma resonates with viewers who have experienced similar struggles, while its occult themes draw upon a long history of fascination with the supernatural11. By grounding its horror in relatable human experiences, Hereditary transcends the typical horror movie tropes and offers a chilling reflection on the darkness that can lurk within families and ourselves17.
Furthermore, Hereditary can be viewed within the context of cultural evolution and the concept of heritability18. The film explores how cultural practices and societal norms can shape the expression of inherited traits, both positive and negative. The Graham family’s history of mental illness and their susceptibility to Paimon’s influence can be seen as a manifestation of this interplay between genes and culture. The film raises questions about the extent to which we are shaped by our ancestry and the cultural environment we inhabit19.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Monster Movie
Hereditary is more than just a horror film about a demonic entity. It’s a chilling exploration of inherited trauma, mental illness, and the insidious nature of manipulation. King Paimon, the film’s ultimate antagonist, represents the destructive forces that can tear families apart, both from within and without. By weaving together supernatural elements with psychological realism, Hereditary leaves a lasting impression on viewers, forcing them to confront the darkness that can reside within seemingly ordinary families.
But the film’s impact goes beyond simple scares. It raises profound questions about the nature of free will, the weight of family legacies, and the enduring power of the past. How does Hereditary compare to other horror films that explore similar themes? What is your interpretation of the film’s ending and the true nature of evil? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Works Cited
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