Hereditary Movie Ending Explained

The films themes are plentiful, exploring the potential of mental illness to be passed down through generations and the effect it has on families, as well as symbolising grief in all its self-destructive pain. Hereditary not only personifies emotions into demonic entities, but functions to show that death isn't always the end - in perfect horror film fashion, it really shows that the person will always be with you, no matter where they are.

From another angle, Hereditary can also be read as a comment on patriarchal values - as no matter what these strong, female characters do, they're never quite enough to appease the needs of the entity. Even femaleness itself is endeavoured to be 'corrected' throughout, swapping talent artistic women for a stoner teenager with little interest in much other than himself. Perhaps its a message on society and the dampening of femininity, and the fruitless efforts to combat it. Perhaps it's not - Hereditary is so rich in its content that there's many readings that can be taken away from it.

In any case, the reality of Paimon is something chilling be left with, whether symbolic or not. He's existed in literary texts since the 15th century, and actually holds a following in real life. Bear that in mind next time you pop your head out the window for a bit of fresh air.

Chilling, gruesome, and ever surprising, at the very least, it's an excellently crafted film, and another original horror movie to be celebrated in the trend of groundbreaking cinema. Hail, Paimon!