Podcast Summary: "Hereditary" with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rewatchables
• Host/Author: The Ringer
• Episode: ‘Hereditary’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey
• Release Date: October 22, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Rewatchables, Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey delve deep into the horror film Hereditary. As part of their mission to explore movies that are endlessly rewatchable, the trio dissects the film's intricate themes, standout performances, and its place within the modern horror landscape.

Categories of Horror Movies

Bill Simmons introduces a nuanced categorization of horror films, sparking a lively debate among the hosts.

• Grizzly Horror: Films like Saw and Rob Zombie's Halloween—characterized by explicit gore and torture.

  Bill Simmons (07:35): "First type is the grizzly horror movie that's like Saw."

• Traditional Scary: Classic horror with jump scares and familiar tropes, such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, and Paranormal Activity.

  Chris Ryan (07:57): "I like the ones, like the really fucked up Italian ones from the 70s and 80s."

• Safe Creepy: Supernatural thrillers that maintain a balance, making them suitable for broader audiences. Examples include Trap with Josh Hart and Midsommar.

  Bill Simmons (08:38): "Every M. Night Shyamalan movie."

• Artsy Creepy: Films that blend horror with artistic elements, such as Midsommar and Strange Darling.

  Bill Simmons (08:48): "Artsy fartsy creepy. Like thrillers with a supernatural element."

• Full-Fledged Creepy: Movies that elevate the genre through exceptional storytelling and psychological depth, like The Shining and Hereditary.

  Bill Simmons (09:19): "She isn't gone."

In-Depth Analysis of "Hereditary"

Plot and Themes

The hosts break down the complicated narrative of Hereditary, discussing its blend of family drama and supernatural horror.

• Beheadings and Symbolism:

  Bill Simmons (20:06): "He needs an empty, exposed neck to pop out of."

  The frequent beheadings serve as a metaphor for releasing spirits, tying into the movie's exploration of generational curses and trauma.

• Paimon and the Cult:

  Sean Fennessey (21:43): "You have younger siblings."

  The discussion touches on the cult's intentions to make Paimon the host, questioning the hierarchical structure of the demonic entities portrayed.

Toni Collette’s Performance

Toni Collette's portrayal of Annie is universally acclaimed among the hosts.

Chris Ryan (18:10): "She's really big in the performance."

Bill Simmons (18:25): "She was nominated for Sixth Sense and has never been nominated since."

Collette's ability to convey frazzled emotions juxtaposed with moments of eerie confidence is highlighted as a standout element of the film.

Cinematic Techniques

The trio praises the film's meticulous direction and atmospheric cinematography.

• Camera Work:

  Chris Ryan (29:35): "I love how that scene starts from an angle that is very far away and the camera's elevated."

• Sound Design:

  Bill Simmons (44:07): "The horror movie score... sounds like just sounds and creeks... like The Shining."

The use of ambient noises and subtle soundscapes heightens the film's unsettling mood, akin to classics like The Shining.

Personal Anecdotes

Chris Ryan shares a harrowing experience that underscores the film's impact.

Chris Ryan (32:15): "We watched the movie and we were like whole. This is very fucked up."

He recounts being involved in a severe car accident shortly after a midnight screening of Hereditary, attributing his heightened anxiety to the film's disturbing content.

Comparisons to Other Films

The hosts draw parallels between Hereditary and other seminal horror works, contemplating its legacy.

• "The Shining" and "Rosemary's Baby":

  Bill Simmons (88:27): "Roger Ebert admired horror movies like the Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby... would have respected Hereditary."

• "Midsommar":

  Sean Fennessey (45:35): "And that's pretty much a generation of filmmakers."

Hereditary is seen as a modern torchbearer for psychological and atmospheric horror, much like The Shining and Rosemary's Baby were in their time.

Audience Reception and Legacy

Discussions revolve around Hereditary's CinemaScore and its discrepancy with critical acclaim.

• CinemaScore:

  Bill Simmons (25:30): "CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of D plus, one of the least successful for a highly acclaimed movie."

The hosts argue that CinemaScore may not fully capture the film's depth, especially within the horror genre, where audience expectations can significantly influence their ratings.

Debates and Diverging Opinions

Not all opinions align perfectly among the hosts, fostering a dynamic conversation.

• Artistic vs. Visceral Horror:

  Chris Ryan (10:22): "If you try to put those brackets around a movie... most horror movies are not by their nature…"

While Bill and Sean appreciate the film's artistic merits, Chris remains skeptical about the "elevated horror" label, feeling it sometimes masks excessive marketing rather than genuine craftsmanship.

• Age and Filmmaking Authenticity:

  Sean Fennessey (91:46): "I don't think The Exorcist is scary right now for a 25-year-old in the way that Hereditary would be."

They debate how different films age over time, with some feeling Hereditary maintains its horror essence better than older classics.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

The hosts highlight several rewatchable moments from Hereditary, emphasizing their lasting impact.

• The Telephone Pole Decapitation:

  Bill Simmons (42:13): "It's the telephone pole beheading Charlie. That scene's amazing."

• Annie’s Eulogy:

  Bill Simmons (35:38): "My name is Bill Simmons. This is The Rewatchables."

• Family Seance:

  Sean Fennessey (37:53): "Do you get what you deserve if you do a seance?"

Notable quotes like Annie's emotional outburst, “I never wanted to be your mother,” are cited as pivotal moments that encapsulate the film's emotional and psychological turmoil.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on Hereditary's place in the horror genre and its potential for future analysis. While Bill and Sean express admiration for Ari Aster's craftsmanship, Chris remains cautiously critical, highlighting the subjective nature of horror appreciation.

Bill Simmons (86:13): "I'll work on that."

Overall, the discussion provides a comprehensive examination of Hereditary, making it a valuable resource for both fans and newcomers interested in understanding why this film has become a staple in rewatchable horror cinema.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Simmons (07:35): "First type is the grizzly horror movie that's like Saw."

• Chris Ryan (07:57): "I like the ones, like the really fucked up Italian ones from the 70s and 80s."

• Sean Fennessey (37:53): "Do you get what you deserve if you do a seance?"

• Bill Simmons (42:13): "It's the telephone pole beheading Charlie. That scene's amazing."

• Chris Ryan (33:20): "He got all the championships I did. He got the riches. The wealth."

Timestamp Highlights:

• 00:14 - Introduction to the Episode
• 07:35 - Bill Discusses Grizzly Horror Movies
• 10:22 - Debate on Horror Categories
• 18:10 - Toni Collette’s Performance Praised
• 21:43 - Discussion on Paimon and the Cult
• 32:15 - Chris Ryan Shares Personal Anecdote
• 42:13 - Highlighting Key Scenes
• 85:05 - Final Thoughts on "Hereditary" and Its Impact

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the conversation surrounding Hereditary, providing listeners with insightful analyses and diverse perspectives on one of modern horror's most talked-about films.