The Inherited

The Inherited is a 2015 psychological thriller directed by Devon Gummersall, starring Annabella Sciorra, Dennis Boutsikaris, and Tammy Blanchard. The movie explores the fine line between sanity and insanity with its tale of psychological suspense and lurking horrors.

Annabella Sciorra, best known for her role in The Sopranos, plays the role of Mrs. Menabar, an enigmatic and stern character with a shroud of mystery around her. Dennis Boutsikaris, known for his appearances in various TV series like Law & Order and Better Call Saul, takes on the character of Dr. Werner, who lends the perspective of a seasoned psychiatrist in navigating the labyrinth of mysteries. But it's Tammy Blanchard who takes the lead role as Eve, a rather troubled woman whose life takes a dark turn after her mother's mysterious death.

The movie kicks off when Eve inherits a beautiful country house from her estranged mother. After the account of her mother's sudden passing finds her, Eve, along with her husband, relocates to the inherited estate, hoping for a fresh start. Their newfound haven, however, isn’t all they expected it to be. This quiet, picturesque setting turns out to be a cursed asset carrying a dark past, one that they are ill-prepared for.

Scenes from the past resurface like recurring nightmares. Eve is bound to them by blood, tossed between her urge to flee or dig deeper into the mysteries of her inherited home, its past inhabitants, and the unspeakable events that took place there.

Eve's previously quiet life takes a twisted turn. The inherited house seems to harbor psychological horrors, and as Eve delves deeper, she herself begins to undergo a transformation. Her once supportive husband now finds himself questioning her sanity as she peels back the layers of her family's dark history. Her encounters with Mrs. Menabar and her sessions with Dr. Werner become pivotal plot points, setting the stage for a chilling mystery wrapped in an enigma.

A palpable tension reverberates through the breathtaking landscapes of Eve's new home, gradually building an atmosphere of relentless dread. The transition from serene calm to unsettling horror is completed by the effective use of light and darkness, soft and harsh sounds, and a haunting score that crescendos throughout the picture.

With the inherited house acting as another character in the movie, the focus continuously shifts between Eve's character and the lingering presence in the home. Blanchard's performance gives voice to a suspense-filled narrative, as the escalating tension forces her to confront the unimaginable.

Supported by Sciorra and Boutsikaris, the cast of The Inherited delivers convincing performances that hold the audience captive. The movie, though chilling, is a thoughtful exploration of legacy, tragedy, and psychological trauma. It delves into the human psyche, verging on the borders of the supernatural to conclude whether the horror within is a result of factual events or insane delusions.

The Inherited undoubtedly draws viewers in with its unique blend of horror and psychology, leaving them no moment to relax as they try to piece together the jigsaw puzzle of the creepy house's past. Gummersall's direction, complemented by the strong performances from Sciorra, Boutsikaris, and Blanchard, crafts an engaging storyline covered with a thick layer of suspense, terror, and surprises.

The movie borrows familiar elements from classic mystery and horror movies, yet possesses its distinct identity by investing deeply in its characters and storyline. Emotionally distressing and intellectually stimulating at the same time, The Inherited navigates the eerie backdrop of the haunting house and the mysteries tied to it.

While The Inherited is indeed a horror film, it's also a profound exploration of inheritance, not only of material possessions but also of emotional trauma and mental health burden. The film is a must-watch for those who are intrigued by the psychology of fear and the shared undercurrents of familial trauma.

A chilling exploration of the intersection of sanity and insanity, The Inherited is an engaging thriller that will leave audiences unsettled and thoughtful long after the final credits roll. This powerful piece serves as a stark reminder that some inheritances carry complications far beyond what we can see or touch. The true horror it presents lies in the struggle to escape a past that isn't just a memory but a living reality.