The subject of this article is the master director Ari Aster, who has brought significant contributions to contemporary horror cinema.
Ari Aster is a prominent modern horror filmmaker known for his distinctive style, creativity, atmospheric elements, character development, and narrative techniques. Born on July 15, 1986, in New York, Aster was influenced by his father, a musical theater writer, and his mother, an art historian. His passion for cinema began in childhood. Aster studied filmmaking at New York University, where he created several short movies and music videos. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to further his career.
Ari Aster’s directorial debut came in 2011 with his short movie “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”, which garnered attention for its unique style and provocative subject matter. He made a significant impact on the movie world with his feature movies “Hereditary” (2018) and “Midsommar” (2019). Both movies were widely praised for pushing the boundaries of horror cinema and received considerable attention from audiences and critics alike.
In this article, we will explore Ari Aster’s filmmaking skills and the characteristics of his movies, and then provide a brief overview of Ari Aster’s 8 movies, including 3 feature-length movies.
Ari Aster directorial style
Ari Aster’s filmmaking style is marked by a deep emotional intensity, psychological tension, and a unique approach to horror. In his debut feature movie, “Hereditary”, Aster crafts an atmosphere of dread by unearthing dark family secrets and delving into the characters’ inner turmoil. In his follow-up, “Midsommar”, he explores themes of death, loss, and separation through intense emotional experiences.
Atmospheric elements are crucial to Aster’s direction. In his movies, the emotional states of the characters are vividly expressed through color palettes, music, sound effects, and camera movements. While “Hereditary” creates a dark, eerie atmosphere with its sound design and effects, “Midsommar” contrasts this with a bright and colorful setting, yet maintains a tense undercurrent throughout.
Both movies build tension in their unique ways. In “Midsommar”, Aster uses wide-angle shots to emphasize the natural and communal setting, while in “Hereditary”, precise camera movements and lighting enhance the movie’s dark, immersive quality.
Aster’s emphasis on character development is evident in both movies. In “Hereditary”, the characters’ psychological states are deeply influenced by traumatic past events, whereas in “Midsommar”, Dani’s character undergoes significant development through her grief and loss. Aster’s focus on emotional depth allows the audience to deeply connect with and experience the characters’ journeys.
Aster’s narrative techniques are also noteworthy. In “Hereditary”, the plot unfolds gradually, withholding crucial details until the movie’s climax, which delivers unexpected revelations and maintains suspense. Conversely, “Midsommar” follows a more linear narrative but intensifies the tension through the characters’ evolving experiences and behaviors, culminating in a dramatic conclusion.
Another distinguishing feature of Aster’s style is his attention to details and symbolism. In “Midsommar”, symbolism representing themes of rebirth and renewal is prevalent, inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Similarly, “Hereditary” incorporates detailed research on family dynamics and mental health into its symbolic elements.
Overall, Ari Aster’s directorial approach combines atmospheric elements, character development, and innovative narrative techniques to redefine horror cinema. His meticulous attention to detail and symbolism enhances the audience’s immersion, offering a distinctive and memorable cinematic experience.
Ari Aster movies
Although Ari Aster currently has only three feature movies, he has a number of short movies that are beginning to gain wider recognition. In this section of the article, we have compiled a list of Aster’s short and feature movies and provided a brief introduction to each one. If you’re ready, here are the remarkable movies by Ari Aster…
1.Beau
Ari Aster’s first directorial endeavor, “Beau”, was a short movie released in 2011. Running 17 minutes, the film features Brady Corbet, Billy Mayo, and John Waters in its cast. “Beau” was showcased at numerous festivals and garnered positive acclaim.
The movie follows a neurotic middle-aged man whose trip to visit his mother is delayed indefinitely when his keys mysteriously vanish. As increasingly sinister events unfold, he begins to confront and make sense of his past experiences.
“Beau” holds a significant place in Ari Aster’s directorial journey. It is noteworthy for its early use of character development techniques and atmospheric elements that would become hallmarks of Aster’s later movies. Despite its short length, “Beau” effectively demonstrates Aster’s emerging talent and potential in the realm of cinema.
Beau (2011)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Billy Mayo (Beau), Logan Atkinson (Young Beau), Casey Desmond (Neighbor)
Release Year: 2011
Duration: 7 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Short, Horror
Language: English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Vimeo
IMDb Rating: 6.2
Similar Movies: “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”, “Munchausen”, “Basically”
Trailer: Youtube Trailer
IMDb Link: Beau (2011) – IMDb
2.Basically
Ari Aster’s second directorial project, “Basically”, was produced in 2014. Featuring Alex Wolff, Julie Reiber, and Zoë Worth, the movie was presented at various festivals but did not receive any awards.
The central theme of “Basically” explores family relationships and bonds. Aster examines these relationships with emotional depth, aiming to affect the audience profoundly. The movie also maintains a dark and atmospheric tone, reflecting Aster’s burgeoning style in cinema.
“Basically” portrays the story of a mother and her infant, the result of a brief relationship. The baby falls ill shortly after birth and is admitted to the hospital. Throughout this ordeal, the mother remains by her daughter’s side, singing to her. Despite her efforts, the baby’s condition deteriorates, leaving the mother feeling helpless.
Basically (2014)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Rachel Brosnahan (Shandy), Grant Rosenmeyer (Bong Boy), Jeremiah Blakely (Awkward Party Boy)
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 15 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Short, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Archive.org
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Similar Movies: “C’est La Vie”, “The Turtle’s Head”, “Beau”
Trailer: Youtube Trailer
IMDb Link: Basically (2014) – IMDb
3.C’est La Vie
Ari Aster’s 2016 drama short movie, “C’est La Vie”, continues the director’s tradition of creating movies with a dark atmosphere. The cast includes Oona Laurence, Angela Pierce, and Henry Dittman. The movie was awarded Best Drama movie at the 2017 Rhode Island International movie Festival.
“C’est La Vie” is notable for its deep exploration of human psychology. Aster skillfully develops the relationships between the characters, culminating in a remarkable ending. The movie stands out as one of the successful entries in Aster’s short filmography.
“C’est La Vie” revolves around a young girl who has been abandoned by her father. Left alone by her mother in the garden of their home, the girl encounters a man who shows interest in her. However, his true intentions are far from what she expects.
C’est La Vie (2016)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Bradley Fisher (Homeless Man), Dean Sharpe (Vomiting Man), Lalia Susini (Little Girl)
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 8 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Short, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Archive.org
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Similar Movies: “Basically”, “The Turtle’s Head”, “Beau”
Trailer: Youtube Trailer
IMDb Link: C’est La Vie (2016) – IMDb
4.Munchausen
Ari Aster’s 2013 short movie, “Munchausen”, is notable for its elements of black humor and absurdism. Written and directed by Aster, the movie runs approximately 30 minutes and features a cast including Annina Walt, Zachary Kamen, and Robert Verlaque.
“Munchausen” was screened at several movie festivals and won multiple awards, including Best Short movie at the 2013 Rhode Island International movie Festival.
The movie centers on a man’s cunning plan to kill himself. While it offers many absurd and ridiculous moments, it also explores darker aspects of human nature with a questioning approach. “Munchausen” captivates audiences with its creativity, fictional depth, and extraordinary narrative, culminating in a surprise ending characteristic of Aster’s style.
Munchausen (2013)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Liam Aiken (Son), Bonnie Bedelia (Mother), Rachel Brosnahan (Girlfriend)
Release Year: 2013
Duration: 16 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Short, Horror
Language: Silent
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: —
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Similar Movies: “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons”, “Beau”, “Basically”
Trailer: Youtube Trailer
IMDb Link: Munchausen (2013) – IMDb
5.Midsommar
“Midsommar,” a 2019 horror and drama movie directed by Ari Aster, deviates from traditional horror patterns by focusing on folkloric beliefs and rituals rather than supernatural elements. Featuring Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, and William Jackson Harper, the movie premiered at the Cannes movie Festival.
The movie garnered critical acclaim and won several awards. Despite a budget of only $9 million, “Midsommar” grossed $48 million worldwide.
“Midsommar” follows Dani’s struggle to cope after a tragic event involving her family. Dani, along with her boyfriend Christian and a group of friends, travels to Sweden to attend a Midsummer festival. The unusual rituals and traditions at the festival profoundly alter the lives of Dani and her friends. Besides psychological tension and supernatural elements, the movie also explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Midsommar (2019)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Florence Pugh (Dani), Jack Reynor (Christian), William Jackson Harper (Josh), Will Poulter (Mark), Vilhelm Blomgren (Pelle)
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 147 minutes
Country: United States, Sweden
Genre: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Language: English, Swedish
Age Rating: R (Restricted – 17+ recommended)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Hulu (with subscription)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Similar Movies: “Hereditary”, “The Witch”, “The Wicker Man”
Trailer: Midsommar Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Midsommar (2019) – IMDb
6.The Strange Thing About the Johnsons
Directed and written by Ari Aster, the 2011 movie “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” is a remarkable short movie.
The movie stars Billy Mayo, Brandon Greenhouse, and Angela Bullock. “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” has garnered attention for its awards, including “Best Foreign movie” at the Flickerfest International Short movie Festival and the “Special Jury Prize” at the New Hampshire movie Festival.
The movie centers on the complex relationship between the father and son in the Johnson family. This relationship unfolds into a narrative filled with secrets and lies. “The Strange Thing About the Johnsons” made a significant impact with its provocative subject matter and plot, surprising audiences and quickly gaining recognition.
The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Billy Mayo (Sidney Johnson), Brandon Greenhouse (Isaiah Johnson), Angela Bullock (Joan Johnson)
Release Year: 2011
Duration: 29 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Short, Drama, Horror
Language: English
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: —
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Similar Movies: “Munchausen”, “Beau”, “Basically”
Trailer:Youtube Trailer
IMDb Link: The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011) – IMDb
7.Beau is Afraid
“Beau is Afraid” is a psychological horror and comedy movie directed by Ari Aster, released in 2023. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. As Aster’s latest feature movie as of 2023, “Beau is Afraid” follows his critically acclaimed works “Hereditary” and “Midsommar”.
The story revolves around Beau, a young man who begins to question his parents’ love for him and uncovers hidden objects in their home. This discovery intensifies Beau’s fears and reveals the family’s deep-seated secrets.
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix (Beau Wassermann), Patti LuPone (Mona Wassermann), Amy Ryan (Grace), Nathan Lane (Roger), Parker Posey (Elaine Bray)
Release Year: 2023
Duration: 179 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror
Language: English
Age Rating: R (Restricted – 17+ recommended)
Available Platforms: Theatrical Release, Digital Platforms (availability may vary)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Similar Movies: “Hereditary”, “Midsommar”, “Synecdoche, New York”
Trailer: Beau Is Afraid Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Beau Is Afraid (2023) – IMDb
8.Hereditary
Ari Aster’s first feature movie, 2018’s “Hereditary”, is a striking horror thriller. Directed and written by Aster, the movie stars Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne. “Hereditary” won the Best Director award at the Sundance movie Festival.
The story begins with the death of Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family. Following her passing, her daughter Annie starts to unravel the family’s cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets. Each revelation convinces them that their family legacy is marked by something sinister. As they dig deeper, they are left wondering if there is any way to escape this curse.
Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette (Annie Graham), Alex Wolff (Peter Graham), Milly Shapiro (Charlie Graham), Gabriel Byrne (Steve Graham), Ann Dowd (Joan)
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 127 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Language: English
Age Rating: R (Restricted – 17+ recommended)
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Hulu (with subscription)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Similar Movies: “The Babadook”, “The Witch”, “Midsommar”
Trailer: Hereditary Official Trailer
IMDb Link: Hereditary (2018) – IMDb
