Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ridiculous spooky-mansion movie has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Inheritance
What's the Story?
In THE INHERITANCE, billionaire Charles Abernathy (Bob Gunton) invites his three grown children to his sprawling estate for his 75th birthday. Flighty social media influencer Kami (Peyton List) is there, as are serious, stern twins Madeline (Rachel Nichols) and C.J. (David Walton), who run the family's day-to-day business. Youngest brother Drew (Austin Stowell)—who runs the charity side of things—also arrives with his wife, Hannah (Briana Middleton), even though he was instructed not to. Security specialist Miles (Reese Alexander) informs the group that all of the servants have been given the night off. The house is sealed up tight, and everyone is locked in. Charles informs his children that he's being targeted and that there will be an attempt on his life that night. If he dies, his children lose their inheritance. Can the family survive the night?
Is It Any Good?
This spending-the-night-in-a-creepy-mansion horror thriller falls resoundingly flat due to its one-note characters, forced plot twists, and absurd behavior of the most ridiculously clichéd nature. Playing very much like both Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders and Humane, The Inheritance doesn't add much to the mix. It's wobbly from the very beginning, with Drew bringing his wife, Hannah, against his father's wishes; it's a setup. She's there for a plot reason, not for a character reason. Then we get an exposition scene with Kami introducing all the characters in the guise of a social media post. Then, when the characters realize that they're locked in and that their father's life may be in danger, they split up to explore the spooky mansion, rather than staying near their father, who's left all alone in his study.
Perhaps the most ridiculous thing in the movie, however, is the airless vault. Characters heedlessly walk into it without considering that the door will slam shut behind them. Then, as their oxygen runs out, there's a helpful meter mounted to the wall that tells them what percentage is left! It continues on from there, leaving The Inheritance as something that very few will want to claim.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Inheritance's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How is drinking depicted? Is it glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Is the movie scary? What is the appeal of scary movies? Why do people enjoy being afraid?
What does the movie have to say about greed? About philanthropy? Are there any strong takeaways?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 12, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 12, 2024
- Cast : Bob Gunton , Peyton List , Briana Middleton
- Director : Alejandro Brugues
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 10, 2024
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