Is Hereditary 2018 Truly Unrealistic? A Close Examination of Its Supernatural Elements

Hereditary, released in 2018, is often praised for its realism despite its supernatural elements. Many critics and audiences find the film's plausibility and believable characters to be eerie and unsettling. The film's deliberate avoidance of camp or over-the-top effects initially convinces viewers that what they are witnessing could indeed happen in the real world. This article delves into the film's realistic aspects and exposes the more unrealistic elements, analyzing why some viewers may find it lacking in credible story elements.

Realism vs. Supernatural Elements

One of the most compelling aspects of Hereditary is its ability to portray a family in a hyperrealistic manner. The characters, their dialogue, and their actions feel genuine. This realism is accentuated by the film's meticulous attention to detail and well-crafted performances. The result is a horror movie that feels less like a Hollywood production and more like a real family toppled by terrifying events.

The Issue of Everyday Realism

However, the film's realism is ultimately compromised by its supernatural elements. Towards the end of the film, several scenes push the boundaries of believability, thereby detracting from the overall impact. For instance, a child suddenly bursting into flames without the use of lighter fluid or matches is a clear break from the realistic tone established earlier in the film. The lack of an EpiPen for the child with a severe nut allergy also stands out as an unrealistic element. These elements are jarring, causing a shift in tone that can be jarring to the audience.

Case Study: The Nut Allergy Incident

One of the most problematic instances of realism in Hereditary is the mother's response to her daughter's nut allergy. In the opening scenes, we are introduced to the family's concern about their child's potential nut allergy. They are worried that she might have eaten a chocolate bar with nuts. Given this context, it is nonsensical that the child does not have an EpiPen. Having an EpiPen (short for epinephrine, a drug for treating severe allergic reactions) is a standard precaution in most households with children who are severely allergic to nuts.

The absence of an EpiPen in this scenario is a significant departure from real-world practices and common sense. It also makes the mother's reaction in the ensuing scenes more unbelievable. For instance, her panic upon realizing the daughter's severe reaction seems less urgent and less compelling. The movie’s subsequent scene, where the brother races the sister to the hospital, becomes less impactful due to the disbelief it engenders. Viewers might find it difficult to feel the full weight of the terror when events in the film do not follow a logical and realistic path.

Evaluating the Supernatural Plots

The film's supernatural elements, such as the haunting and the family's descent into madness, are executed with a level of plausibility that initially deceives. However, as the plot develops, it succumbs to clichés and fantastical elements that disrupt the narrative's believability. Moments like the aforementioned burning child and the sudden and unexplained appearance of ghostly figures are among those that stand out as less plausible. These supernatural elements, while part of the genre, can seem out of place in a film that otherwise emphasizes realism.

Conclusion: A Film of Contrasts

In the end, Hereditary 2018 is a film that defies easy classification. On one hand, it succeeds in creating an atmosphere of believable horror that is almost as terrifying as classics like The Exorcist or Night of the Living Dead. On the other hand, its supernatural elements often pull the viewer out of the moment, making the film feel less cohesive. While these supernatural elements provide a necessary throughline of the supernatural horror genre, they sometimes feel forced or incongruous with the realistic, hyperreal portions of the film. For horror enthusiasts and critics, the question of whether the film is ultimately realistic comes down to personal perspective. The film's creators successfully built a narrative that convincing from a narrative standpoint, but the inclusion of supernatural elements that deviate sharply from everyday logic can still be a point of contention. Ultimately, the tension between realism and the fantastical is what makes Hereditary both intriguing and challenging.