A24 has cultivated quite the reputation for doing more with less, especially when it comes to their horror movie lineup. Films such as The Witch (2016), It Comes at Night (2017) and A Ghost Story (2017) were all made with moderate budgets but each earned the praise of the majority of both critics and fans alike. The stories are slow burn types, often with some big revelation towards the end. It would seem like this is a recipe that the studio often seeks out. Their latest release, Hereditary, looks to have all of the ingredients of the type of film that will succeed based on the previous projects.

Annie (Toni Collette) has just suffered a great loss as her own mother has just passed away. While they relationship had been quite toxic over the years, there is still a sadness when someone dies that you’ve known your entire life. Annie and Steve (Gabriel Byrne) are managing fine with the loss, as is their oldest child, Peter (Alex Wolff). Charlie (Milly Shapiro) seemed to have the strongest bond with the late grandmother and, psychologically speaking, she seems to be affect the most. There is something that’s not quite right with this family and it manifests itself in different ways. Sadly for the Grahams, loss will wear out its welcome before things come to an end. For all intents and purposes, this family seems to be cursed and destined for a dark future that none of them could have imagined. As this dark story slowly reveals its true purpose, audiences will be shocked and entertained at the path it takes.

Hereditary has that same conservatively budgeted feel that other movies in the A24 horror stable have had. The slow burn of this twisted supernatural story should have fans of the horror genre mostly satisfied at its brazen approach to things. Director Ari Aster is not afraid to take risks nor does he shy away from making controversial decisions as to how everything goes down. It is the direct heavy-handed approach that will raise some eyebrows. Toni Collette gives a great performance as a troubled and conflicted mother dealing with so much craziness on her plate. Another performance worth mentioning is that of young Milly Shapiro. She creeps me out and is one of those people that I would always keep one eye on if we were in the same place.

While the tempo gets bogged down a bit in certain parts, the build up to what will surely be a chilling climax is both entertaining and infuriating. Some of these characters decisions will get on your nerves and have you annoyed with them, but that just makes the audience more engaged. Hereditary is not completely terrifying as some might suggest, but it’s disturbing enough to give a few well placed chills. If you’re into a more classic horror type feel, buying a ticket would be a good choice. Check it out