Is Hereditary Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Hemalatha R
Updated Apr 19, 2023
Is Hereditary Based on a True Story?
Did the events in Hereditary actually happen? While it's not marketed as a "based on a true story" horror film like Poltergeist or The Conjuring, there are some personal aspects that writer-director Ari Aster drew from. In an interview with Inverse, Aster admitted that the emotions conveyed in the film are very personal to him, and that watching it can make him remember certain times in his life based on the mood.
However, he clarified that the story and characters are entirely fictional, and that he used the horror genre to filter his personal experiences. During a Q&A in New York, Aster explained that he came to the genre cynically, but found himself drawn to it because of its ability to pay tribute to domestic melodrama. Ultimately, while there are some personal truths behind the film, the events depicted in Hereditary are entirely fictional.
Is Hereditary Scary?
Hereditary is a horror movie that can be described as deeply unsettling and eerie. The film features supernatural elements like ghosts and seances, as well as unsettling scenes of death and decay. Burned bodies, severed heads, and maggots are just a few of the disturbing images that can be found throughout the movie.
Additionally, there are scenes of extreme violence and panic, with characters experiencing fits and banging their heads on hard surfaces. The film can be difficult to watch, as it touches on themes of grief, trauma, and mental illness, which can be triggering for some viewers.
Despite its disturbing content, Hereditary has been praised for its masterful storytelling and exceptional performances from its cast. Toni Collette delivers a particularly impressive performance as a mother struggling to come to terms with the death of her mother and the trauma that follows.
Overall, Hereditary is a horror movie that is not for the faint of heart. Its dark themes and unsettling imagery make it a challenging but rewarding viewing experience for fans of the horror genre. If you can handle the scares, it is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Hereditary Cast
The below table contains the details of the Hereditary cast.
Toni Collette
Annie Graham,
Gabriel Byrne
Steve Graham
Alex Wolff
Peter Graham
Milly Shapiro
Charlie Graham
Ann Dowd
Joan
Mallory Bechtel
Bridget
Name
Character
Hereditary Ending Explained
In Hereditary, the film's title serves as a significant clue to understanding the ending. The name alludes to the idea of something being passed down through generations, specifically within the family of the main character, Annie (played by Toni Collette). While the film also touches on themes of mental illness, it becomes clear that there is something more going on within the family's bloodline.
Annie spends her life trying to protect her family, especially the male members, from her mother's influence. She even tried to abort her son, Peter, and refused to let her mother near him. This all ties back to Annie's late brother, who suffered from schizophrenia and claimed that his mother was trying to put people inside of him. Later, we discover that a male host is needed for Paimon, a demon who will bestow riches upon his followers. This is why Annie was okay with her grandmother being close to Charlie.
While the audience may suspect that Annie is involved in the events that unfold, it is actually a cult that is pulling the strings. According to director Ari Aster, the cult is meant to be the true orchestrator of the film's events, with Ann Dowd's character playing a significant role. Throughout the film, there are hints that there are people watching the family from the periphery, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Overall, the ending of Hereditary is a culmination of the film's themes of family, mental illness, and the supernatural. The revelation that a cult has been manipulating events adds a layer of horror to the already unsettling story. It is a film that rewards careful attention and analysis, as there are many details and clues that can be easily missed.
Hereditary Plot
Hereditary is a horror movie that centers around the Graham family. Miniature artist Annie, her psychiatrist husband Steve, and their teenage children, Peter and Charlie, are mourning the death of Annie's mother, Ellen. Annie has a complex relationship with her mother but after Charlie's birth, Ellen becomes an important figure in her life. One day, Charlie suffers a severe allergic reaction and dies in a car accident while Peter is driving her to the hospital.
The family is left traumatized, and strange things start happening. Annie befriends Joan, a member of her bereavement support group, who introduces her to the occult and convinces her to perform a séance. During the séance, Annie believes that Charlie's spirit has possessed Peter and that the family is now being haunted by supernatural entities.
Annie discovers her mother's belongings, including a photo album that reveals Ellen was the leader of a coven, and a book that describes the demon King Paimon, who seeks to inhabit the body of a male host. The summoner of Paimon will receive wealth and rewards.
Annie believes that Ellen was attempting to summon Paimon into Charlie's body, but since Charlie was a girl, the summoning failed. Annie and Peter are pursued by naked coven members and eventually find themselves in Charlie's treehouse. There, they witness the coven worshipping an idol made with Charlie's severed head. The coven members hail Peter as the new male host for Paimon, and Annie becomes possessed by Paimon.
The movie is full of disturbing imagery and supernatural occurrences. The ending is shocking and unsettling as the family's descent into madness culminates in their complete possession by Paimon and submission to the coven's worship. The film's title is a nod to the idea that certain traits and tendencies can be passed down through generations, and in this case, the Graham family's bloodline is the key to Paimon's summoning.
The film explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the occult, and leaves the audience with a sense of unease long after the credits have rolled.
Is Hereditary based on a true story - FAQs
Hereditary is a horror film about a family that becomes plagued by supernatural entities and demonic possession after the death of their matriarch.
The main character in "Hereditary" is Annie Graham, played by Toni Collette. Annie is a miniature artist who is grappling with the loss of her mother, as well as her family's dark history and her own mental health struggles.
In the movie "Hereditary," King Paimon is a demon from the occult who is seeking to inhabit the body of a male host. The cult that Annie's mother was a part of believes that by summoning and offering Paimon a male host, they will receive wealth and rewards
The ending of "Hereditary" involves the cult successfully summoning and possessing Peter with the demon King Paimon.
Yes, "Hereditary" is widely considered to be a very scary movie. It is known for its unsettling atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and intense scenes of horror and violence. It is not recommended for viewers who are easily frightened or disturbed.