Hereditary is disturbing because it masterfully blends the supernatural with the all-too-real horrors of familial trauma, mental illness, and grief. Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares and gore, Hereditary creates a pervasive sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s disturbing nature stems from its exploration of inherited darkness, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, leaving viewers with a profound sense of helplessness and despair1.
Ari Aster’s 2018 directorial debut, Hereditary, shocked audiences and critics alike with its unsettling portrayal of a family’s descent into madness. The film follows the Grahams as they grapple with the death of their secretive grandmother, Ellen. As the family unravels, a series of disturbing events unfold, revealing a sinister legacy that threatens to consume them. But what exactly makes Hereditary so disturbing? Let’s delve into the specific elements that contribute to the film’s unsettling power.
The Unsettling Power of Uncertainty
One of the key elements that makes Hereditary so disturbing is its masterful use of uncertainty. Throughout the film, viewers are kept guessing about the nature of the threat facing the Graham family. Is it a supernatural force, a manifestation of mental illness, or a combination of both? This ambiguity creates a constant sense of tension and dread, as viewers struggle to make sense of the increasingly bizarre and terrifying events unfolding on screen1.
The film presents two possible explanations for the horrors that befall the Grahams. One interpretation is that everything we see is literal reality: the family is being targeted by a malevolent cult that seeks to summon the demon Paimon into Peter, the son. The other interpretation is that the supernatural events are a manifestation of the family’s shared mental illness, with Peter ultimately responsible for the tragedies that unfold. This uncertainty is never fully resolved, leaving viewers to grapple with the implications of both possibilities1.
Blurring the Lines Between Reality and the Supernatural
Hereditary further blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural by grounding its central evil in actual occult lore. The demon Paimon, a powerful entity who can grant knowledge and wealth, is a figure drawn from ancient texts on demonology1. This connection to real-world beliefs adds a layer of authenticity to the film’s horror, suggesting that the forces at play are not merely figments of the characters’ imaginations.
The film also draws upon real-world anxieties surrounding mental illness and its potential to be inherited. Annie, the mother, reveals a family history of mental disorders, suggesting that her children may be predisposed to similar struggles2. This exploration of inherited mental illness adds a layer of realism to the film’s horror, tapping into the fear that our own genetic makeup could make us vulnerable to psychological turmoil.
Subverting Expectations and Exploiting the Unfamiliar
Hereditary subverts familiar horror tropes to create a uniquely unsettling experience. Instead of relying on masked figures or jump scares, the film employs unexpected and disturbing imagery, such as naked cultists and scenes of self-mutilation1. This departure from the familiar creates a sense of unease and disorientation, as viewers are confronted with images that defy their expectations.
Adding to this sense of unease is the film’s masterful use of silence and darkness. By dimming the lights and amplifying the quiet moments, Hereditary creates an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation. Our brains, accustomed to filling in the blanks and finding patterns, become hyper-aware of every creak and shadow, leading to a heightened sense of fear and paranoia3. This technique effectively amplifies the subconscious voices in our heads, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
The film also exploits the inherent fear of the unfamiliar by presenting viewers with disturbing and unexplained phenomena. For example, the recurring motif of decapitation, with Charlie’s tragic accident and Annie’s eventual self-decapitation, is both shocking and deeply unsettling4. The film offers no easy answers or explanations for these events, leaving viewers to grapple with their disturbing implications.
A Sense of Helplessness and Predetermined Fate
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Hereditary is the pervasive sense of helplessness that permeates the film. From the outset, it becomes clear that the Graham family is trapped in a predetermined fate, orchestrated by forces beyond their control. The cult’s meticulous plan to summon Paimon unfolds with chilling precision, leaving the characters with little agency to resist their tragic destiny5.
This sense of helplessness is further amplified by the film’s exploration of inherited trauma and mental illness. The characters are not only victims of external forces but also prisoners of their own genetic predispositions. This suggests that their suffering is not merely a result of circumstance but an inescapable consequence of their lineage.
Disturbing Scenes and Production Details
Hereditary is filled with disturbing scenes and production details that contribute to its overall unsettling effect. Some of the most memorable and disturbing moments include:
- Charlie’s death: The sudden and graphic nature of Charlie’s decapitation is deeply shocking and sets the stage for the film’s descent into darkness. The scene is particularly disturbing because it subverts expectations; what initially appears to be a typical teenage party takes a horrifying turn when Charlie suffers an allergic reaction and Peter, in a panic, speeds down a dark road. The subsequent collision with a telephone pole and the discovery of Charlie’s decapitated body are rendered all the more unsettling by the film’s unflinching realism6.
- Annie hovering over Peter: In a scene that preys on primal fears of vulnerability, Annie is shown hovering over Peter in his bed, her face obscured by shadows. This moment creates a sense of unease and foreshadows the escalating tension and violence within the family6.
- Annie’s headbanging: The scene where Annie, seemingly possessed, repeatedly slams her head against the attic door is both visually and emotionally disturbing, highlighting her growing desperation and loss of control. This act of self-harm is made even more unsettling by the lack of explanation, leaving viewers to question the nature of Annie’s affliction and the forces driving her behavior6.
- Peter’s possession: The scene where Peter becomes possessed in the classroom and violently bangs his head on the desk is both terrifying and heartbreaking, showcasing the devastating effects of the supernatural forces at play. This scene is particularly effective because it takes place in a familiar setting, a high school classroom, further blurring the lines between the ordinary and the horrific6.
- Annie’s confession: In a moment of raw emotional honesty, Annie admits to Peter that she never wanted him. This confession adds another layer of disturbance to the film, highlighting the complex and often dark realities of family relationships. It also reveals the deep-seated resentment and guilt that have been festering within Annie, contributing to her psychological breakdown6.
- Annie’s self-decapitation: The climax of the film, where Annie, now fully possessed, saws off her own head with a piano wire while levitating, is a truly horrifying and unforgettable image. This act of self-mutilation is made all the more disturbing by the calm and deliberate manner in which Annie carries it out, suggesting a complete surrender to the malevolent forces that have taken control of her body6.
- Joan’s disturbing smile: During the seance scene, Joan, a seemingly friendly member of Annie’s support group, displays a disturbing smile after making contact with “Charlie.” This subtle detail suggests Joan’s awareness and complicity in the evil presence, adding a layer of sinister implication to the events unfolding7.
The film’s production design also plays a crucial role in creating its disturbing atmosphere. The Grahams’ house, built on a soundstage, is filled with unsettling details, such as the strange words scratched into the walls and the miniature replicas of the characters and their surroundings8. These details contribute to the film’s overall sense of unease and foreshadow the horrors to come. The words scratched into the walls, “satony,” “liftoach,” and “pandemonium,” are terms commonly used in spells and incantations to conjure demons, further hinting at the supernatural forces at play9.
The Actors’ Perspectives
Alex Wolff, who plays Peter, spoke about the challenges of portraying a character grappling with such intense grief and trauma. He described Peter as a “difficult kid who transitions into a scared little boy,” highlighting the character’s internal struggle to suppress his emotions in the face of tragedy10. Wolff also discussed the importance of portraying Peter’s reaction to the horrific events in a raw and authentic way, even if it meant risking audience empathy. This commitment to realism adds to the film’s disturbing power, as viewers witness the unfiltered emotional turmoil of a young man caught in a nightmare10.
Symbolism in Hereditary
Hereditary employs a rich visual language that further enhances its disturbing nature. Recurring motifs and symbols throughout the film contribute to the overall sense of dread and foreshadow the tragic events to come.
Headlessness and Decapitation
The motif of headlessness and decapitation is prevalent throughout Hereditary, appearing in various forms, from the headless mannequin in Annie’s workshop to Charlie’s tragic demise. This recurring image symbolizes a loss of control, identity, and agency3. The film foreshadows Charlie’s decapitation through subtle visual cues, such as the camera movement that abruptly stops at the telephone pole she will later collide with. This foreshadowing creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces the idea that the characters are trapped in a predetermined fate3.
Ants and Pigeons
Ants and pigeons also appear throughout the film, carrying symbolic weight that adds to the disturbing atmosphere. Ants, often associated with death and decay, are seen swarming over Charlie’s decapitated head and later appear in Peter’s nightmare9. This imagery reinforces the themes of mortality and the inescapable nature of the family’s curse. Pigeons, often seen as messengers or symbols of peace, take on a more ominous meaning in Hereditary. Their presence, particularly in the early scenes, foreshadows impending doom and the disruption of the family’s fragile stability9.
Cultural Context and Societal Anxieties
Hereditary‘s disturbing nature is further amplified by its engagement with broader cultural contexts and societal anxieties. The film explores themes of inherited trauma, mental illness, and the breakdown of the family unit, tapping into deep-seated fears about the fragility of human connection and the potential for darkness to lurk within even the most seemingly ordinary families.
Inherited Trauma
The film delves into the concept of inherited trauma, suggesting that the sins and suffering of past generations can have a profound impact on the lives of their descendants. This idea is explored through the Graham family’s history of mental illness and the cyclical nature of their tragic experiences. The film suggests that trauma can be passed down through generations, not only through genetics but also through patterns of behavior and family dynamics. This exploration of inherited trauma adds a layer of complexity to the film’s horror, suggesting that the characters are not only victims of external forces but also prisoners of their own family history.
Mental Illness
Hereditary also touches upon societal anxieties surrounding mental illness and the stigma associated with it. Annie’s struggles with her own mental health and her family’s history of disorders raise questions about the nature of inheritance and the fear of passing on undesirable traits. The film portrays mental illness in a raw and unflinching way, highlighting the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families.
Family Breakdown
The film explores the breakdown of the family unit, a theme that resonates with broader societal anxieties about the fragility of human connection. The Grahams’ descent into chaos and violence reflects a fear of losing the people we love and the potential for darkness to consume even the closest of bonds.
Cultural Dynamics and Heritability
Beyond the specific themes explored in the film, Hereditary also engages with broader cultural contexts that can influence our understanding of human behavior. The film’s focus on inherited traits and the manipulation of bloodlines raises questions about the role of genetics in shaping our lives. However, it’s important to consider the cultural dynamics that can influence heritability estimates. As research suggests, neglecting these dynamics can lead to an overestimation of the genetic basis of human behavior11. This broader perspective adds another layer of complexity to the film’s exploration of inherited darkness, suggesting that the interplay between nature and nurture is far more intricate than we might initially assume.
Conclusion
Hereditary‘s disturbing nature stems from its masterful blend of supernatural horror, psychological realism, and unsettling imagery. The film’s exploration of inherited darkness, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, creates a pervasive sense of dread and helplessness that lingers long after the credits roll. By subverting expectations, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural, and tapping into deep-seated societal anxieties, Hereditary offers a truly unique and unforgettable horror experience.
The film’s effectiveness lies in its ability to tap into primal fears and anxieties about family, inheritance, and the unknown. It forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities of mental illness, grief, and the potential for darkness to reside within ourselves and those we love. Hereditary is not merely a horror film; it is a chilling reflection of the human condition, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, the weight of inheritance, and the fragility of our own sanity. By connecting these themes to broader societal trends and anxieties, such as the growing awareness of mental health issues and the fear of inherited predispositions, Hereditary transcends the boundaries of genre and becomes a disturbingly relevant commentary on the human experience.
Works Cited
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10. ‘Hereditary’ Actor Thinks He Has PTSD From Shooting the Year’s Scariest Movie – VICE, accessed January 26, 2025, https://www.vice.com/en/article/hereditary-actor-thinks-he-has-ptsd-from-shooting-the-years-scariest-movie/
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