1. Monsters as Reflections of Trauma

The central "monster" in Hereditary can be interpreted as a representation of trauma and familial dysfunction. The film explores deep-seated grief following the death of the family matriarch, Ellen, and how that trauma manifests in haunting and disturbing ways. The idea of inherited trauma, akin to a curse passed down through generations, aligns with the concept of monstrosity as a manifestation of unresolved emotional pain. The family’s inability to cope with their grief leads to a psychological horror that becomes monstrous, highlighting how personal and familial histories can shape individuals into their own monsters.

2. Paimon as a Symbol of Control and Power

The demon Paimon, who seeks a male host for his arrival, represents the concept of external control and the manipulation of individuals by forces beyond their understanding. This reflects societal fears about the loss of agency, especially in the context of family dynamics and the influence of inherited beliefs and traditions. The film's climax, where the family is ultimately subjected to Paimon's will, illustrates how societal and familial pressures can create a monstrous reality, with individuals being used as pawns in a larger, more sinister game.

3. Isolation and the Fear of the Unknown

Hereditary captures the fear of isolation, both physical and emotional. The family’s home, located in a remote area, becomes a character in itself, amplifying their feelings of alienation. This isolation mirrors broader societal anxieties, especially in contemporary contexts where individuals often feel disconnected from each other and their communities. The monstrous events in the film can be seen as a reflection of this existential dread, emphasizing how isolation can lead to a descent into madness and monstrosity.

4. Cultural and Historical Context

Released in 2018, Hereditary came at a time of heightened social anxieties, particularly regarding mental health, family dynamics, and the pressures of modern life. The rise of discussions around mental health issues and the stigma surrounding them can be seen in the film’s portrayal of how mental illness and grief can warp family relationships. This context allows the viewer to see the characters as both victims and perpetrators of their circumstances, with their monstrosity being a reflection of the societal pressures they face.

5. Gender and Maternal Influence

The film also examines the role of motherhood and the concept of the "monstrous feminine." Annie, the mother, grapples with her own mental health struggles and the weight of her family's legacy. This theme resonates with cultural fears about maternal influence and the potential for generational trauma, which can create monsters in both psychological and literal senses. The film's portrayal of female monstrosity challenges traditional gender norms and reflects fears of women's roles in the family and society.

1. Mental Illness and Familial Stigma

Annie's family grapples with mental health issues, particularly in the context of grief and trauma. The stigma surrounding mental illness is pronounced as characters navigate their emotional struggles in silence or through denial. Annie’s mother, Ellen, had a history of mental illness, which creates a sense of dread about the potential for mental illness to be inherited. This stigma is compounded by the family's reluctance to openly discuss these issues, leading to isolation and further psychological distress.

2. Grief and Mourning Deviance

The film portrays unconventional expressions of grief that deviate from societal expectations. Annie's reaction to her mother’s death is complicated by unresolved feelings and guilt, leading to an emotional breakdown. Peter, her son, also struggles with the trauma of his sister’s death, which is depicted through his erratic behavior. Their inability to properly mourn and communicate their feelings creates a sense of deviance from normative grieving practices, highlighting the stigma associated with "improper" expressions of loss.

3. Family Dysfunction and Abuse

The family dynamics in Hereditary are fraught with dysfunction, which can be seen as a form of deviance. The characters exhibit emotional and psychological abuse towards one another, often in moments of heightened tension. This dysfunction is stigmatized within the context of societal expectations for family unity and support. The ways in which Annie and her children interact—filled with hostility and lack of understanding—underscore the deviant nature of their familial relationships.

4. Cults and Occult Practices

The film incorporates themes of cultism and occult practices, which are often viewed as deviant in mainstream society. The rituals surrounding Paimon and the family’s involvement in these practices reflect societal fears of the unknown and the dangers of blind adherence to tradition. The stigma attached to cults serves to isolate those involved, portraying them as “other” and reinforcing societal boundaries around acceptable belief systems.

Conclusion -

In Hereditary, the interplay of mental illness, grief, family dysfunction, occult practices, and violence highlights significant forms of deviance and stigma. These elements not only contribute to the film’s horror but also serve as a commentary on the complexities of human experience, particularly in the face of trauma and societal expectations. The stigma surrounding these issues underscores the characters' struggles and deepens the film's exploration of monstrosity, both literal and figurative.

(Deviant Behavior is Learned Through Interactions with Others)

According to Sutherland, one major theory of Differential Association is that deviance is acquired through active interactions with others who model, reinforce, or communicate these deviant behaviors. In Hereditary, Ellen’s influence on her daughter Annie is evident in the ways she introduced occult rituals and instilled in her a sense of secrecy and ritualistic behavior. While the direct interactions between Annie and her mother happen largely off-screen, the film suggests that Ellen carefully groomed Annie and orchestrated the events around Paimon’s summoning. Annie's subsequent engagement in these practices, including her attempt to communicate with the dead and performing occult rituals, reflect the deviance Ellen taught her. This influence is then passed down to Peter, whose interactions with Annie mirror his exposure to emotional manipulation, secrecy, and erratic responses to grief.

2. Relativist Perspective on Deviance

(conceptualization of deviance)

The Relativist Perspective argues that deviance is defined not by the inherent quality of an act but by the reactions and definitions of those within a particular cultural or social context. Behaviors deemed “deviant” in one context may be accepted or even celebrated in another. In Hereditary, the family’s engagement in occult rituals and Annie’s attempts to contact the dead reflect behaviors that would be widely considered abnormal or deviant in mainstream society. However, within the isolated family unit, these practices become normalized. The film portrays this deviance as relative, where the occult practices passed down by Ellen may not appear deviant to those within the family who see them as legitimate responses to grief and trauma.

Annie’s adherence to these rituals demonstrates how deviance is constructed through intimate groups and family beliefs. Instead of questioning the ritualistic practices, Annie is drawn to them in her desperation to connect with her deceased daughter. From a relativist perspective, her actions can be seen as “deviant” only when considered against societal norms, which discourage practices associated with the occult. Within the closed family environment, however, these behaviors are accepted—even encouraged—suggesting that deviance depends on perspective and social context.

Thus,

By applying both Differential Association Theory and the Relativist Perspective on deviance, we see how Hereditary portrays deviant behavior as learned and accepted within an intimate, closed family environment. The family’s occult practices and dysfunctional responses to trauma are examples of how deviant behaviors are transmitted across generations and normalized within a specific social context, only appearing deviant in contrast to broader societal standards. This dual analysis highlights the powerful role of family in shaping deviant behavior and underscores how deviance can be understood as contextually dependent, shaped by the values and norms of intimate personal groups.