Hail Paemon! The chilling film Hereditary has returned to Netflix US, offering a perfect opportunity to delve into the disturbing true events that inspired one of its most harrowing scenes.
Director Ari Aster solidified his reputation as a leading horror filmmaker of the decade with releases like Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019). While these films may not be directly linked, they share striking themes—a focus on family trauma, the influence of cults, and ominous prophecies that unfold with an unsettling sense of foreboding.
Among these, Hereditary stands out and has even been rated as the best horror film of all time. Whether you are revisiting or experiencing it for the first time now that it’s available on Netflix, read on to explore the true story that resonates with its most grisly moment. Please be advised that this content may be distressing for some viewers.
Charlie’s Death: A Disturbing Reality
The shocking scene in Hereditary, where the character Charlie (portrayed by Milly Shapiro) meets a tragic end by decapitation from a telephone pole, is undoubtedly ingrained in the minds of viewers. What amplifies the horror is Peter’s (Alex Wolff) stunningly muted reaction.
Peter appears frozen in disbelief; instead of seeking help, he drives home with Charlie’s lifeless body in the backseat, leaving his mother Annie (Toni Collette) to make the dreadful discovery alone the next morning. Although Aster has not confirmed this incident as a direct inspiration, a real-life event bears striking similarities.
In August 2004, John Kemper Hutcherson, 21, was responsible for a similarly tragic accident after a night out in Marietta, Georgia. While driving his friend Frankie Brohm, 23, home, Brohm, feeling unwell, leaned out of the car. Tragically, Hutcherson accidentally struck a guy wire from a telephone pole, resulting in Brohm’s instant death.
Like Peter, Hutcherson continued driving more than 10 miles to his parents’ house before falling asleep. The grim reality was revealed when a neighbor discovered Brohm’s body the next day. Later, after pleading from Brohm’s family who acknowledged the incident was unintentional, Hutcherson was released on bond. He ultimately faced five years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide the following year.
Lasting Effects on Horror Fans
Upon the release of Hereditary, viewers drew parallels between the film’s traumatic incident and the tragic real-life story. Many expressed a deep understanding of Peter’s stunned response.
One Reddit user reflected, “The first time I watched Hereditary, I really understood why Peter just kept driving and failed to act.” They elaborated on the psychological burden of such a tragedy, noting, “It would be impossible to process it fully in that moment.”
Another commenter added, “When the mother discovers her child’s fate, her scream is horrifying, knowing the emotional turmoil she would face.” This sentiment resonated widely, with many asserting that Annie’s scream was “possibly the most terrifying aspect of the entire film.”
One viewer remarked, “That scene stands out because it reflects a potential reality. It hits harder than the rest of the film.” Furthermore, another expressed the impact of the moment, stating, “It captures the agony of a ruined life due to an irreversible tragedy.”
Currently, Hereditary is available for streaming on Netflix US, continuing to elicit conversations about its intense themes and real-world connections.
Related Articles:
Why MrBeast and Brands Overlook the Unique Appeal of Squid Game
16:51
Netflix’s Upcoming Series: ‘Yellowstone Meets Virgin River’ Set for 2025 Release Date
15:38
Virgin River Star Responds to “Unbelievable” Criticism of Season 7 Storylines
13:10
Leave a Reply