Summary The Inheritance sets up expectations but cleverly shifts gears from mystery to horror. The film takes unex
Summary
- The Inheritance sets up expectations but cleverly shifts gears from mystery to horror.
- The film takes unexpected turns, but suffers from weak character development and a flawed script.
- Despite the Victorian-era mansion’s set design and cinematography creating a spooky atmosphere, the film’s ambition isn’t met with stellar execution.
The Inheritance (2024) follows the rich Abernathy family — 75-year-old Charles Abernathy invites his family for a birthday celebration and, despite tensions between the Abernathy children, they comply. Once at the grandiose mansion that gives off creepy old money vibes, the grown kids are told there is actually something else they’re there for, and that is their substantial inheritance. Someone or something is going to kill Charles tonight, and he puts his entire estate and wealth on the line. If anything happens to him, all of it will be donated.
The film isn’t what you expect — infighting, betrayal, lies, and murder. The setup is fantastic when you don’t know how this will unfold. But once the genre shifts, the film doesn’t take the necessary steps to maintain the momentum. The familial dynamic is haphazardly put together, the characters are thinly written, and the acting isn’t much better.
Russo and LaMont’s script is far from solid, but with a little more done to flesh out the characters, this genre-bending exploration of familial bonds would have left a lasting impression. The cast don’t manage to escape the confines of archetypes to give interesting performances, except for Briana Middleton and Peyton Lists, whose attempts are more palpable than the rest.
The film manages to be a very straightforward horror, but the lackluster character work diminishes whatever good comes from its genre shift, and the shift is substantial. Defying expectations is usually a great tactic, and The Inheritance does at least get good when it takes a sharp turn from being a Knives Out knockoff to the family horror it wants to be. There may not be much to commend it, but the attempt is admirable, and maybe that will win some folks over.
The Inheritance is now playing in select theaters and is available on demand. The film is 85 minutes long.
Pros
- Great set and production design
- An engaging premise
Cons
- Poorly crafted characters
- Thinly written script
Conclusion:
The Inheritance has some redeeming qualities, but ultimately falls short due to its poorly crafted characters and thinly written script. While it attempts to defy expectations and take a sharp turn into family horror, it fails to maintain momentum and deliver a lasting impression.
FAQs:
Q: What is The Inheritance about?
A: The film follows the Abernathy family as they gather at their father’s mansion for his 75th birthday, only to discover that someone or something is going to kill him tonight.
Q: Is The Inheritance a horror film?
A: Yes, the film shifts from a mystery to a horror film, but its execution is lacking.
Q: Is The Inheritance worth watching?
A: While it has some engaging moments, the film’s poor character development and writing hold it back from being a truly great film.
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