Ari Aster’s brilliant directorial debut Hereditary shows just how effective genre-blending can be if done correctly. The 2018 masterpiece merges terrifying supernatural horror with heartbreaking family drama to create a deeply affecting film.

Toni Collette plays Annie Graham, a parent of two grappling with the recent passing of her own mother. Her grieving seethes throughout the film. When dark secrets are revealed and the horrific truth about Annie’s late mother is exposed, emotions boil over and strife ensues. Annie’s heartache over a shocking death in the family causes her to lash out at Peter, and his deep resentment and intense teenage attitude lead to vicious arguments between the two. Arguably the most horrific scene from the movie is a sequence in which Annie screams at Peter.

Hereditary makes the viewer feel as though they are experiencing everything themselves, emphasizing the film’s sense of twisted family normalcy. The last 30 minutes of the movie depart entirely from the realm of family drama, as it descends into supernatural horror involving possession and cults — and plenty of jump scares.

While certainly not for the faint of heart, Hereditary manages to combine expert performances with a dread-filled atmosphere to craft one of the darkest, most depressing films of all time. Although general movie audiences may be turned off by the disturbing nature of the film, true horror and drama lovers will be compelled to watch it again and again.