If the final moments of Ari Aster’s Hereditary left you stunned, you’re not alone. The psychological horror film, now streaming on Netflix, unpacks themes of family trauma, loss, and sinister manipulation through the story of the Graham family.
Following the death of domineering matriarch Ellen, her daughter Annie (Toni Collette) begins to unravel as her family grapples with supernatural forces. As the chilling climax reveals, Ellen led a cult worshipping the demon Paimon, whose influence haunts the family and culminates in a devastating possession.
What Happens at the End of Hereditary?
The story takes a dark turn early on when Annie’s teenage son Peter (Alex Wolff) takes his sister Charlie (Milly Shapiro) to a party. After Charlie, who is allergic to nuts, accidentally eats cake with walnuts, Peter panics and rushes her to the hospital. Tragedy strikes when Charlie is decapitated by a utility pole during the chaotic drive.
Annie spirals into grief, seeking solace in a support group where she meets Joan (Ann Dowd), who introduces her to séances. This leads Annie to discover her mother’s cult activities, including attempts to summon Paimon into her family.
The film’s climax sees Peter possessed by Paimon after Annie’s horrific death and a final confrontation with cult members. The film closes with Peter in a candlelit treehouse, surrounded by the cult, fully transformed into Paimon’s host.
Ari Aster on Why It’s a 'Happy Ending'
According to director Ari Aster, the ending is bittersweet. Speaking to Variety, he described Charlie as "a displaced soul" and saw her possession of Peter as her finally finding a place to rest. "See, it’s a happy ending," he said.
Aster has explained that the film uses horror to explore the corrosive effects of family trauma. "I wanted to make a film about how trauma can utterly transform a person, and not necessarily for the better," he told Vox.
What’s the Meaning Behind the Dollhouse?
Annie’s dollhouse, a recurring motif in the film, symbolizes the family’s lack of control over their lives. Aster told NPR that it’s a metaphor for their manipulation by outside forces: "They are like dolls in a dollhouse."
Is Hereditary Connected to Midsommar?
Fans often speculate about connections between Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar. While Aster confirmed there are thematic similarities, he dismissed direct links like Paimon worship. Both films, he noted, explore family, trauma, and codependency in unique ways.
Could There Be a Hereditary Sequel?
Though rumors of Hereditary 2 have surfaced, Ari Aster remains noncommittal. "I have an idea for a sequel… Who knows if I’ll ever do it," he said in 2023. Lead actress Toni Collette, however, doubts it will happen, joking, "My headless character? Where does she go?"
Is Hereditary Inspired by True Events?
While the story is fictional, Aster has said it’s rooted in his own fears and family struggles. "There has been a lot of suffering in my family," he shared with Vox. "It didn’t befall me, but it’s befallen people that I care very deeply about." With its chilling exploration of trauma and loss, Hereditary continues to leave a haunting impression on audiences, cementing its place as one of the most unsettling films in modern horror.
