Review of Hereditary (2018) by Ryan W — 30 Nov 2018

This movie has a plot that is by no means original, but the delivery is refreshingly unique. An unoriginal plot does not automatically disqualify a movie from being great.

This movie presents nothing new in terms of plot. Supernatural entity taking over a family. Nothing new here. However, the way this movie was executed was unlike anything I've ever seen before. I felt uneasy from the start. Even though the "horror" did not pick up until a ways into the movie, I felt the tension from the start. This movie provided a feeling of uncomfort throughout the whole thing, even during the non scary parts. I think the family tension plays a huge role in that. Not just terror with the supernatural, but tension within the family. This movie made me do something I never do: my jaw dropped and stayed dropped for like 2 minutes straight at one point. There is also a part of this movie that I think filled me with the most suspense and anxiety I have ever felt watching a movie. It's quite refreshing to see a movie rely on actual terror and creepiness to provide the "horror" instead of meaningless jump-scares, and that's what sets this movie apart from the rest of the movies like it.

I would give it more than 4 stars, but there were points in which I was either wishing it moved at a slightly faster pace or holding back laughter at a couple of the "scary parts." With that being said, this is one of my favorite horror movies I've seen, and I've seen a lot.