Hereditary (2018): What the Film Is About, Its Runtime and Whether It’s Based on a Book

Hereditary is a 2018 supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. After the family matriarch dies, her daughter and the rest of the family confront cryptic secrets about their ancestry and a frightening inherited fate. It is an original screenplay, not an adaptation of a book.

What is Hereditary about?

The story begins after the death of Ellen, the family matriarch. Her daughter’s family then uncovers disturbing secrets about its ancestry and faces an inherited fate. That is the film’s central premise, rather than a full account of its later revelations.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Hereditary [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital]	$12.92	Buy on Amazon
2		Hereditary [4K + Blu-ray + Digital]	$19.15	Buy on Amazon
3		Hereditary [Blu-ray]	$15.83	Buy on Amazon
4		Hereditary (Blu-ray)	$18.78	Buy on Amazon
5		A24 Horror 5-Film Collection (Hereditary / X / The Witch / Green Room / It Comes at Night) [Blu-ray]	$49.95	Buy on Amazon

Grief, family trauma and the way history can shape later generations are useful ways to interpret the film. They are thematic readings, not additional plot facts established by its official synopsis.

Is Hereditary based on a book?

No. Netflix Tudum describes the film as an original screenplay by Aster, rather than an adaptation. Tudum also identifies it as his feature debut and reports that it was shot in Utah. Netflix Tudum’s film feature

#1 Best Overall

Hereditary [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital]

• Movie dvd

$12.92

Buy on Amazon

Who made the film, and who stars in it?

Ari Aster wrote and directed Hereditary. A24 lists Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd and Gabriel Byrne among its cast. A24’s official film page

How long is Hereditary?

Disney+ lists the runtime as 2 hours 7 minutes and gives the film an R rating. Its title page categorizes it as supernatural, horror and thriller. Catalog details and availability can vary by territory, so check the Disney+ listing for your region. Disney+ title page

Rank #2

Hereditary [4K + Blu-ray + Digital]

• The disk has English audio.

$19.15

Buy on Amazon

Where can you watch or buy Hereditary?

Streaming availability depends on your location and can change. Check the services available in your territory rather than assuming a listing applies everywhere. A24’s film page also links to DVD and Blu-ray retail options, including Amazon; check the retailer’s current listing for the specific edition and its features. A24’s official film page

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Hereditary [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital]

Movie dvd

$12.92

Bestseller No. 2

Hereditary [4K + Blu-ray + Digital]

The disk has English audio.

$19.15

Bestseller No. 3

Hereditary [Blu-ray]

$15.83

Bestseller No. 4

Hereditary (Blu-ray)

$18.78

Bestseller No. 5

A24 Horror 5-Film Collection (Hereditary / X / The Witch / Green Room / It Comes at Night) [Blu-ray]

5-Film Horror Collection

$49.95

Best Value

A24 Horror 5-Film Collection (Hereditary / X / The Witch / Green Room / It Comes at Night) [Blu-ray]

• 5-Film Horror Collection

$49.95

Buy on Amazon

Rank #4

Hereditary (Blu-ray)

$18.78

Buy on Amazon

Rank #3

Hereditary [Blu-ray]

$15.83

Buy on Amazon

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.