October Fright Nights: Hereditary

Ellis watches 'Hereditary' for the first time and documents the evidence

The third fright night of 2022 is 'Hereditary'. It's a film that I never got round to on its initial release and I know is going to be intense. I know nothing about it really, just words of friends saying "prepare yourself, it's a lot". It's a late night viewing for me for Fright Night Number 8, wish me luck!

To read the first fright night article click here: https://www.focusfilms.online/post/october-fright-nights-the-blair-witch-project

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Fright Night Film: Hereditary

Release Date: 2018

Directed by: Ari Aster

Starring: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, Gabriel Byrne, Mallory Bechtel

Successful Jump Scares: 3

CREEPINESS

It's distressing more than it is creepy and it's sure to make everyone uncomfortable in different moments. One particular storyline had me feeling rather stressed, and the way the film delivers all of its intense moments is done incredibly well, it succeeds in it's direction that's for sure!

STORY & PLAUSIBILITY

It initially builds up the family dynamic well, finding ways for the characters to breathe before breathing becomes a struggle. The speed in which any spiritual aspects enter the fold seems far too soon and I found it difficult to believe in the plausibility of those actualities seeming real in this world. That doesn't mean I wasn't still gripped.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

There are peripheral effects used to show the audience things in the corner of the screen that the characters cannot see. Brief moments of things happening just behind the character in frame leave the audience feeling uneasy and shouting for the characters to "get out of there". It's a more effective way of shooting a horror film.

MUSIC

It's a lot of big droning music and crescendos to dramatic effect and to be honest I found the score a little over the top.

PERFORMANCE

Toni Collette is particularly exceptional, she is a force to be reckoned with in everything from Little Miss Sunshine to Knives Out, but this may be her best performance to date.

Hereditary available to rent or buy now