Milly Shapiro as Charlie in "Hereditary"
If you've just finished watching Ari Aster's "Hereditary" (2018) and found yourself puzzled by what exactly happened, you're not alone. Let's break down exactly what happened in this intricate supernatural horror film. But first, we should understand why the film feels so complex.
Why The Film Seems Complex
The film's complexity comes not from its plot but from its presentation. Aster deliberately keeps viewers off-balance by:
Never directly explaining the cult's plan
Mixing supernatural elements with family drama
Using misdirection about whether events are supernatural or psychological
Providing information through subtle visual cues and background details
Once you understand these storytelling techniques, the actual plot becomes much clearer. Let's unravel it step by step.
The Setup: A Family Under Attack
The film begins with the death of Ellen Leigh, the secretive and mysterious grandmother of the Graham family. While her daughter Annie (Toni Collette) seems ambivalent about the loss, her granddaughter Charlie (Milly Shapiro) shows genuine grief. This opening sets up the central conflict: the Graham family isn't just dealing with loss -- they're caught in a generations-long plot orchestrated by a demon-worshipping cult.
The Truth About Charlie
One of the most confusing aspects of the film is Charlie's true nature. According to director Ari Aster, there was never really a "Charlie" as we know her. From the moment of her birth, Charlie's body was hosting Paimon, one of the eight kings of hell. Ellen, the grandmother, had orchestrated this possession, but there was a problem: Paimon requires a male host to reach his full potential.
The seemingly random and shocking death of Charlie - her decapitation in a car accident - was actually carefully planned by the cult. The telephone pole that decapitated her even bore Paimon's symbol, indicating this was no accident but rather a ritual sacrifice to free Paimon from his female vessel.
The Cult's Ultimate Goal
The entire film follows the cult's elaborate plan to transfer Paimon from Charlie's body to her brother Peter's (Alex Wolff). This wasn't their first attempt - Annie's brother had committed suicide after claiming their mother was "trying to put people inside him." The cult needed a male host from Ellen's bloodline, which is why Annie's husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) wasn't a suitable target.
Understanding Annie's Role
Annie isn't part of the cult - she's another victim. The cult manipulates her through Joan (Ann Dowd), who poses as a grief counselor but is actually Ellen's former cult lieutenant. Joan tricks Annie into performing a séance, which opens the door for Paimon to begin possessing Peter.
The Ending Explained
The film's disturbing conclusion shows the cult's plan coming to fruition. After Annie becomes possessed and decapitates herself (decapitation being a recurring motif associated with Paimon), Peter jumps from the attic window. This moment of trauma allows Paimon to finally take complete possession of Peter's body. The final scene in the treehouse shows Peter/Paimon being crowned by the cult, who address him as "Charlie" because that's the only identity Paimon knew while trapped in Charlie's body.
Making Sense of It All
While "Hereditary" presents itself as a complex supernatural horror film, its plot is essentially about a cult successfully carrying out an elaborate plan to provide a demon king with a suitable host. The family drama, grief, and psychological horror elements serve mainly as window dressing for what is, at its core, a rather straightforward possession story.
The Hidden Symbol System
Throughout the film, there are various symbols and words scratched into walls: "satony," "zazas," and "liftoach pandemonium." While these might seem significant, they're essentially atmospheric elements that reinforce the occult aspect of the story without adding deeper meaning.
Final Thoughts
"Hereditary" succeeds as an atmospheric horror film that keeps viewers guessing until its finale. While some have attempted to read deeper meanings about family trauma or mental illness into the film, it works best when viewed as what it is: a skillfully crafted supernatural horror movie about a demon cult achieving its goal. The film's strength lies not in profound symbolism or commentary on the human condition, but in its ability to maintain suspense and deliver genuine scares while telling its story.
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