
Ari Aster, a significant name in contemporary filmmaking, initially made waves in the late 2000s with a series of short films. His breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed 2011 short film The Strange Thing About the Johnsons, which garnered considerable attention and laid the foundation for his future projects.
Hereditary: A Deep Dive into Family Horror
Hereditary centers on the Graham family, who are grappling with the profound loss of their enigmatic grandmother. The film delves into dark family secrets that emerge from her death, leading to a spiral of sinister events, including further tragedies. As the storyline unfolds, the Grahams find themselves ensnared in a web of malevolent forces, causing them to feel increasingly unsafe and paranoid. This psychological horror film is both brilliantly crafted and features a remarkable cast of talented actors.
The Cast of Hereditary
Actor |
Character |
---|---|
Toni Collette |
Annie Graham |
Alex Wolff |
Peter Graham |
Gabriel Byrne |
Steve Graham |
Milly Shapiro |
Charlie Graham |
Toni Collette as Annie Graham
Date of Birth: November 1, 1972

- Active Since: 1990
Toni Collette, hailing from Sydney, Australia, started her career in the arts, notably in music before transitioning to acting. She made her television debut in A Country Practice in 1990, but it was her role in the 1994 film Muriel’s Wedding that propelled her into the spotlight. Her substantial portfolio includes notable films such as Emma, Velvet Goldmine, The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine, and the recent Knives Out.
Toni has also made a significant mark on television, with roles in popular series such as United States of Tara, Hostages, and The Staircase.
Other Notable Works
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
Muriel’s Wedding |
1994 |
Emma |
1996 |
The Sixth Sense |
1999 |
Hereditary |
2018 |
Knives Out |
2019 |
Character Insight: Annie Graham, portrayed by Collette, is a miniature artist navigating the complexities of family grief and dark secrets that threaten their safety.
Alex Wolff as Peter Graham
Date of Birth: November 1, 1997

- Active Since: 2005
Born in New York City, Alex Wolff began his acting career with The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie, alongside his brother. He later starred in the Nickelodeon series of the same name, contributing music to various episodes. His filmography includes major hits such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Pig, and Oppenheimer.
Notable Projects
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
Hereditary |
2018 |
Oppenheimer |
2023 |
Character Insight: Peter Graham, portrayed by Wolff, faces strained relations with his mother, exacerbating the tension following a catastrophic family incident.
Gabriel Byrne as Steve Graham
Date of Birth: May 12, 1950

- Active Since: 1978
Gabriel Byrne, originally from Dublin, Ireland, launched his career in theatre, gaining recognition in television with The Riordans. His film debut came in the renowned epic Excalibur. Noteworthy films include The Usual Suspects, Little Women, and Vanity Fair.
Selected Works
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
The Usual Suspects |
1995 |
In Treatment |
2008 |
Character Insight: As the supportive husband Steve, Byrne’s character navigates Annie’s grief, torn between empathy and concern for their family’s well-being.
Milly Shapiro as Charlie Graham
Date of Birth: July 16, 2002

- Active Since: 2013
Milly Shapiro, an American actress, began her career on stage, leading in Matilda the Musical. Hereditary, her film debut, set the stage for further opportunities, including a role in the horror-comedy series Hysteria!.
Significant Roles
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
Hereditary |
2018 |
Character Insight: Charlie, played by Shapiro, links to her grandmother’s dark past, triggering a series of unsettling events that haunt the family.
Supporting Cast and Characters of Hereditary
Meet the Additional Cast

Ann Dowd as Joan: A key character who befriends Annie at a support group, Ann Dowd has starred in The Handmaid’s Tale and Compliance.
Mallory Bechtel as Bridget: Peter’s crush and schoolmate, Bechtel has a background in stage performances and appeared in Pretty Little Liars.
Pat Barnett Carr as Ellen Leigh: Annie’s mother, featured in the film in a minor role. Carr’s previous works include several short films.
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