Summer movie season is upon us! Whether scary, funny, or profound, there’s a movie out there for everyone. Watch them alone or with others, but I recommend bringing a friend. Especially to the scream-inducing films.

Hereditary
Logline: After the family matriarch passes away, a grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences, and begin to unravel dark secrets.

Tagline: Every family tree hides a secret

As we left the movie theater after watching Hereditary, my friend said, “You screamed so loudly at that one scene, it made me more scared!” I spent most of the movie with a fist over my mouth, ready to stifle any shrieks.

Full of creepy, can you believe this? moments, Hereditary is different than other horror films because it spends time on character development and family dynamics. The cast does a magnificent job. If there were any chance the Academy Awards would recognize horror film actors, I’d bet my money on Toni Collette. You’ve never seen her in a role like this before.

(One aspect of this movie did disappointed me, I have to admit, but I won’t spoil the plot for you.)

Although we caught a late show and I arrived home past my bedtime, I stayed awake another hour reading the movie reviews, for fear of having nightmares if I went to sleep immediately.

Don’t watch this movie alone. You’ve been warned.

• The Verdict:If you’re going to see just one art house horror film this year, make it this one.
• Screenwriter and Director: Ari Aster
• Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
• Running Time: 2 hours, 7 minutes
• Rating: R

This No-Spoilers Movie Review was originally published in a different form on June 24, 2018 at http://www.KatherineValdez.com

Katherine Valdez laments the proliferation of trailers and movie reviews that give away the plot. Read reviews at www.NoSpoilersMovieReviews.com and www.NoSpoilersBookReviews.com. Receive reviews directly to your inbox by typing your email address in the Follow box. Watch for the confirmation email to complete the process.

(Click here foran index of movies reviewed)