Hereditary = The New Exorcist. Lazy Comparison or Accurate Assertion?

The horror genre has always had its benchmarks—films that don't just scare, but redefine what it means to experience terror in a darkened theatre. For many, The Exorcist (1973) stands as that benchmark: a film so profoundly disturbing that it set the standard for decades. Fast forward to 2018, and Hereditary arrives with the weighty comparison of being dubbed 'the new Exorcist.' But does Ari Aster’s chilling tale of familial dread truly hold up to William Friedkin's demonic classic? Let's delve into the key themes, impacts, and critical receptions of both films to explore this intriguing comparison.

Key Themes: A Deep Dive

Demonic Possession

Both Hereditary and The Exorcist centre on the theme of demonic possession. The Exorcist thrusts viewers directly into the harrowing ordeal of a young girl, Regan, possessed by a malevolent entity. The struggle to reclaim her soul is visceral, laden with physical manifestations of evil and exorcism rites that have become iconic in horror cinema.

In contrast, Hereditary takes a more subtle approach. The demonic presence is a shadow creeping slowly into the lives of the Graham family. The possession here is intertwined with themes of inheritance and destiny, culminating in a finale that reveals the full extent of the supernatural influence. Both films effectively use demonic possession to explore deeper questions about control, faith, and the fragility of the human psyche.

Family Dynamics

Family lies at the heart of both films, becoming both the battleground and casualty of the supernatural forces at play. The Exorcist dissects the mother-daughter relationship between Chris and Regan MacNeil, showing how the demonic possession strains and ultimately strengthens their bond.

Hereditary delves into the darkest recesses of family life. The Grahams' relationships are fraught with unresolved trauma, guilt, and resentment even before supernatural elements come into play. The film masterfully uses these pre-existing tensions to amplify the horror, making the family's disintegration all the more unsettling.

Psychological Horror

The Exorcist is often celebrated for its psychological depth. It isn’t just the pea soup vomit and head-spinning that terrify; it’s the mental deterioration of those trying to save Regan. The film explores themes of faith and doubt, making the audience question their own beliefs about good and evil.

Hereditary excels in creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread. The psychological horror emerges from the characters' internal struggles and the slow revelation of the family's dark legacy. Ari Aster employs a slow-burn approach, using unsettling imagery and a creeping sense of doom to keep viewers on edge.

Generational Curses

Generational curses form a crucial thematic link between the two films. The Exorcist touches on this with Father Karras's struggle with his faith and the death of his mother, suggesting that his personal demons make him vulnerable to the literal ones he faces.

Hereditary dives headfirst into the idea of generational curses. The film suggests that the Graham family’s fate was sealed long before the events of the film, with the sins and secrets of past generations coming back to haunt the present. This theme adds layers of complexity, making the horror feel inescapable and tragically inevitable.

Isolation and Loss of Control

Both films masterfully convey a sense of isolation and loss of control. In The Exorcist, Chris MacNeil finds herself increasingly isolated as she battles an unimaginable evil within her own home. The medical and religious authorities she turns to become part of a nightmarish journey that leaves her feeling helpless.

In Hereditary, isolation is both literal and emotional. The Graham family is physically isolated in their large, eerie home, and emotionally isolated from each other by the weight of their individual grief and secrets. As the supernatural forces close in, their sense of control slips further away, leading to a horrifying conclusion.

Impact on the Horror Genre

Reinvigorating Psychological Horror

Both films have had a profound impact on the psychological horror genre. The Exorcist was groundbreaking in its portrayal of possession, setting a high bar for realism and emotional depth. It made audiences confront the possibility of real evil in a way that few films had done before.

Hereditary brought a fresh, modern perspective to psychological horror. Its success proved that there was still a hunger for slow-burn, intellectually challenging horror films. By focusing on the psychological toll of its supernatural elements, it reinvigorated the genre and inspired a wave of similarly thoughtful horror films.

Challenging Traditional Horror Tropes

The Exorcist challenged traditional horror tropes by grounding its supernatural story in a deeply human context. It wasn’t just about scares; it was about faith, guilt, and the struggle between good and evil. This multi-layered approach broadened the scope of what horror could be.

Similarly, Hereditary subverted genre expectations with its focus on family dynamics and its slow, deliberate pacing. It avoided the cheap jump scares and predictable plot twists that plague many modern horror films, offering instead a richly textured narrative that left a lasting impression.

Raising the Bar for Realism and Immersion

Both films set new standards for realism and immersion. The Exorcist used groundbreaking special effects and meticulous attention to detail to create a sense of terrifying authenticity. Its impact was so profound that it reportedly caused fainting spells and panic attacks among audiences.

Hereditary achieved a similar level of immersion through its masterful cinematography, unsettling score, and powerful performances. The film’s meticulous construction and attention to psychological detail created an atmosphere that was both deeply unsettling and completely captivating.

Critical Reception

Hereditary

Hereditary was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its chilling atmosphere, outstanding performances, and innovative approach to horror. Many lauded its thematic depth, particularly its exploration of family dynamics and psychological horror. However, its slow-burn pacing and ambiguous ending proved divisive, with some viewers finding it more frustrating than frightening.

The Exorcist

The Exorcist is considered a classic of the genre and received critical acclaim upon its release. It was hailed for its terrifying and groundbreaking special effects, as well as its exploration of faith, guilt, and the power of evil. Decades later, it remains one of the scariest films of all time, with a lasting impact on both critics and audiences. Its influence on horror cinema is undeniable, and it continues to be highly regarded in horror circles.

The Comparison: Hereditary as the New Exorcist?

When Hereditary was released, it was both marketed and regarded by some viewers as comparable to The Exorcist. Some critics, such as Mark Kermode, derided this opinion, suggesting it was a lazy comparison. However, having watched Hereditary without any preconceived notions or hype, I instantly thought of it as the new Exorcist. To me, its importance in the horror genre is comparable, and I believe that Hereditary marked a much-needed resurgence in psychological dread and the slow-burn horror approach.

While The Exorcist set the standard for possession films and remains a seminal work in horror cinema, Hereditary brought a new level of dread and fear to modern audiences. Both films forced viewers to confront the darker aspects of the human psyche and family dynamics, and both left a lasting impact on the genre.

In conclusion, while some may argue that comparing Hereditary to The Exorcist is unfair or misguided, the parallels are undeniable. Both films challenged traditional horror tropes, raised the bar for realism and immersion, and left an indelible mark on the genre. Whether or not Hereditary is 'the new Exorcist,' it has undoubtedly earned its place as a modern horror classic and a worthy successor to the throne.