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Ari Aster

Ari Aster has rapidly emerged as a notable figure in contemporary cinema, especially known for his contributions to the horror genre. With a distinct style that blends psychological depth with unsettling imagery, Aster’s films, such as Hereditary and Midsommar, have garnered both critical acclaim and a strong following. He is celebrated for his ability to explore the dark facets of human nature and family dynamics, utilising horror not just for scares but as a means to delve into themes of grief, trauma, and the human psyche.

Aster’s career began with his breakout feature, Hereditary, which immediately established him as a director with a unique vision within the horror genre. The film’s success at the Sundance Film Festival and its subsequent critical and commercial acclaim marked a significant debut, setting high expectations for his future work. Following Hereditary, Aster released Midsommar, a film that further solidified his reputation as a master of horror with a penchant for exploring human emotions and relationships against a backdrop of terror. Both films are characterised by their meticulous craftsmanship, detailed storytelling, and the ability to unsettle audiences while probing deep emotional and psychological themes.

Aster’s films stand out for their psychological depth and meticulous attention to detail. Instead of relying solely on jump scares or overtly grotesque visuals, his brand of horror delves deep into the human psyche, unpacking family traumas, grief, and societal rituals. In Hereditary, for instance, he weaves a tale that unravels the dark legacy within a family, reflecting how past traumas can be handed down through generations. Meanwhile, Midsommar is a sun-soaked nightmare that examines the allure and danger of isolated communities and the human need for belonging. His ability to craft stories around these deeply rooted emotional traumas, combined with supernatural or unsettling elements, offers viewers a genuinely haunting experience.

His style is characterised by its deliberate pacing, intricate set designs, and evocative use of colour and light. While many horror films utilise darkness to establish fear, Aster often does the opposite. For example, the perpetual daylight in Midsommar becomes a source of unease as the narrative progresses. His films also exhibit a penchant for symmetrical framing, emphasising a sense of order even amidst chaos. This deliberate and artful approach to filmmaking not only enhances the thematic depth of his stories but also establishes Aster as a director who masterfully blends art-house sensibilities with genre cinema.

Ari Aster (1986 – -)

Calculated Films:

  • Hereditary (2018)
  • Midsommar (2019)

Similar Filmmakers

Ari Aster’s Top Films Ranked

1. Midsommar (2019)

Genre: Folk Horror, Psychological Drama

2. Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Genre: Psychological Drama, Surrealism, Black Comedy, Family Drama

3. Hereditary (2018)

Genre: Supernatural Horror, Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama, Family Drama

Ari Aster: Themes and Style

Themes:

  • Family Dynamics: A prominent theme in Aster’s works is the intricacies of family relationships. Films like Hereditary and Midsommar delve deeply into the dysfunctions, secrets, and traumas that can define familial ties.
  • Grief and Loss: Aster often portrays the psychological and emotional ramifications of grief and loss, examining how different characters navigate these emotions.
  • Cultural Rituals and Traditions: Particularly evident in Midsommar, Aster is fascinated by unique cultural practices, rituals, and how outsiders perceive and interact with them.
  • Mental Health: Aster’s films frequently touch upon characters’ mental health, be it the inherited mental illnesses in Hereditary or the emotional and psychological breakdowns in Midsommar.
  • Supernatural vs. Reality: There’s often an interplay between the supernatural and the real, making audiences question the reality of the events unfolding on screen.

Styles:

  • Long Takes: Aster often uses prolonged, unbroken takes, especially in moments of high tension. This keeps the audience immersed in the scene, amplifying its impact.
  • Detailed Set Design: His films, like Hereditary, exhibit meticulously crafted set designs, each detail contributing to the story’s atmosphere and symbolism.
  • Symbolism: Aster’s films are laden with symbols. From the miniatures in Hereditary to the Nordic runes in Midsommar, these symbols often foreshadow events or provide deeper meaning to the narrative.
  • Natural Lighting: Particularly in Midsommar, the use of natural lighting creates an eerie contrast between the bright, sunny setting and the dark events unfolding.
  • Cinematic Build-up: Rather than relying heavily on jump scares, Aster prefers a slow burn, gradually building tension and horror.

Directorial Signature:

  • Emotionally Intense Opening Sequences: Both Hereditary and Midsommar start with profoundly traumatic events that set the tone for the rest of the film.
  • Unsettling Sound Design: Aster uses sound in a manner that adds to the unease. The score, ambient sounds, and even silence are all manipulated masterfully to intensify the mood.
  • Unique Horror Elements: Instead of conventional horror tropes, Aster’s horror stems from human emotions, experiences, and psychological unravelling. The real horror is often what’s happening inside a character’s mind rather than an external entity.
  • Visceral Emotional Reactions: Aster ensures that his characters exhibit raw, visceral emotional reactions, making their experiences deeply relatable and even more distressing for the audience.
  • Cultural Exploration: While Midsommar is the most evident, Aster has a knack for diving into different cultures, beliefs, and rituals, making them central to the narrative.

Ari Aster – Great Director

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