Hereditary: A Family Reunion You Won’t Forget (and Probably Don’t Want To)

Picture this: you’re sitting down for a cozy evening with the family, a cozy blanket wrapped around you like a burrito, and suddenly, your grandmother’s ghost starts playing hide-and-seek with your sanity. Welcome to the world of Hereditary, where the Graham family’s idea of a family reunion involves more drama than a Shakespearean tragedy and enough supernatural shenanigans to make even the bravest ghostbuster reconsider their career choices.

After the passing of their reclusive matriarch (who had more secrets than a gossiping neighbor), the Graham family dives headfirst into a pool of unresolved issues and dark family legacies. We’re talking about a family tree so twisted it could rival a pretzel factory on a bad day. Annie, our protagonist and part-time art gallery curator, suddenly finds herself unraveling the mysteries of her family’s past like it’s a ball of yarn in a room full of kittens.

Let’s not forget about Charlie, the teenage granddaughter with a penchant for making unsettling noises and crafting bizarre miniature figures that put the “fun” in dysfunctional. She’s basically the family’s living, breathing alarm bell, warning everyone that things are about to get weird. And boy, do they get weird. After a few awkward family dinners that would make your Thanksgiving look like a Hallmark movie, Charlie’s fate takes a sharp turn when she decides to take a joyride on the highway of horror. Spoiler alert: it ends poorly, and that’s just the appetizer!

As if things weren’t chaotic enough, we have Peter, the teenage son, who’s navigating the trials of high school while simultaneously trying to dodge the family curse like it’s the latest viral dance challenge. His struggle is relatable—who hasn’t had a rough day at school only to come home and discover that your family might be part of a cult? Talk about adding insult to injury.

Now, let’s discuss the family’s descent into madness, which is less of a gradual slide and more of a free-fall off a cliff. As secrets are revealed, including the fact that Grandma was not just an eccentric old lady with a penchant for knitting but also a high priestess of a demon-worshipping cult, the tension rises like a loaf of bread in a hot oven. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well for anyone involved. The family members begin to drop like flies, and not the cute, cartoonish kind. We’re talking serious horror movie casualties here.

In the end, we learn that the true horror isn’t the supernatural elements or the creepy dolls, but rather the realization that family gatherings can be downright terrifying. The film wraps up with a twist that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about family dynamics and the importance of therapy. Seriously, if you’re considering a family reunion after watching this film, maybe just stick to Zoom.

So, if you’re in the mood for a film that combines familial dysfunction with a healthy dose of supernatural dread, Hereditary is your go-to. Just remember: when your family starts talking about “the legacy,” it might be time to pack your bags and head for the hills. Or at least invest in a good therapist.