Hereditary Review: 6 Ups And 3 Downs

3. Engrossing Atmosphere

With the film opening on a funeral, the theme of death, grief, and darkness is immediately thrust into the limelight. This never really changes either as the film deals with extremely dark themes and never lets up. Scenes that almost always seem to have something secretly (or not-so-secretly) sinister going on and a haunting score combine to make an engrossing experience. Hereditary doesn't release you from its shackles until the end credits start rolling.

Even after an especially-creepy sequence comes to a close, you don't really feel like you're safe. This isn't a film that forcibly waits for nighttime to start up some scares - they come in all forms during any time of day in Hereditary. The characters always feel vulnerable to some potential fright, so you as an audience member feel it too.

This is another element that can be credited to the direction, acting, and quality sound design. People in the audience were so on-edge that even hearing a random tongue click sound got some people to jump during the screening. Every design element ensures you don't feel safe as you watch, and it only makes Hereditary more effective.