Where was Hereditary filmed?
2018
City Locations
Sandy (USA), Salt Lake City (USA), Park City (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, School, Unusual
Location Styles
House, Bus, School
About Hereditary
Hereditary tells the story of the Graham family, who are struggling to cope with the unexpected death of their secretive grandmother. As they grieve, they become increasingly aware that a demonic entity is tormenting them. The film follows Annie, the family matriarch, as she grapples with her new reality and tries to uncover hidden truths about her grandmother. When increasingly strange and disturbing events occur, the family must stand against this sinister force or risk their lives.
Ari Aster's debut feature film earned critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and score. It received a Best Original Screenplay nomination at the 91st Academy Awards. The film also received praise for its unique cinematography, with a dollhouse-like aesthetic, as most of the indoor scenes came to life on custom-built sets on a soundstage.
Hereditary was also noted for its fear factor created through carefully crafted jump scares and psychological horror elements rather than relying solely on gore-filled visuals. With the most comprehensive release ever for an A24 film, it played in 2,964 theaters. The movie collected $5.2 million, including $1.3 million from Thursday night previews. This strong start resulted in increased weekend estimates of $12 million.
Hereditary had the highest opening for any A24 title, debuting with $13.6 million. The film continued to perform well in its second weekend, experiencing a small drop of only 49.5% to $6.9 million, defying the typical fall seen by most horror films. By July 29, 2018, it became A24's highest-grossing film worldwide, surpassing Lady Bird with $80 million. However, this record was later passed in June 2022 by Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Hereditary Locations
Hereditary is a horror film that came to life against the backdrop of several stunning locations throughout Utah. Park City, Salt Lake City, Sandy, and Utah Film Studios provided the setting for most scenes. The Utah mountain ranges and desert landscape created the perfect backdrop for this psychological thriller.
From the scenic jagged rocks and green forests surrounding Park City to the majestic red rock formations and dramatic canyons in Salt Lake City, there are plenty of captivating sites to explore. Sandy’s wide-open spaces brought a sense of openness and freedom, while Utah’s Film Studios provided soundstages or prop rooms.
Park City is especially popular for its many outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rafting, and camping. Furthermore, it is home to some of the most incredible skiing slopes, making it an ideal spot for ski lovers who want time on the slopes during their trip.
Salt Lake City has much to offer, with its salt flats standing against a colorful array of mountains and landmarks, such as Temple Square or This Is The Place Heritage Park, providing an insight into culture and history.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile if you’re a fan of Hereditary or just looking for some incredible places to explore. You will gain an appreciation for these regions from a filming perspective and a more personal point of view while taking in stunning views along the way, which might even make you feel like you stepped right into one of the movie sets!
The funeral scene in Hereditary
Larkin Sunset Garden in Sandy, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092, United States
Annie Graham (Toni Collette) is a highly skilled artist specializing in miniature art, and her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) is a psychiatrist. The couple resides with their teenage children: sixteen-year-old Peter (Alex Wolff) and thirteen-year-old Charlie (Milly Shapiro). Annie's mysterious mother, Ellen, has recently passed away, leading the family to attend her funeral. To Annie's surprise, the funeral is well-attended by mourners.
Tucked away in the charming town of Sandy, Utah, lies a hidden paradise, the Larkin Sunset Gardens. This stunning public garden is a true gem of the region, with its lush greenery, fragrant blooming flowers, and peaceful ambiance enchanting visitors at every turn.
Walking through the winding paths of Larkin Sunset Gardens, you will feel like you've entered a secret world, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a serene retreat, Larkin Sunset Gardens is the perfect destination.
The garden, situated just a few minutes from downtown Sandy, is easily accessible by car. Those traveling by public transportation can take the TRAX light rail to the historic Sandy station and then catch the Route 20 bus to the garden's front gate.
Peter driving home scene in Hereditary
Park City, Utah, USA
Shocked and horrified, Peter (Alex Wolff) flees home, leaving Charlie's (Milly Shapiro) headless body in his car. The following day, Annie (Toni Collette) discovers the gruesome sight. With Charlie's death, resentment fills Annie towards Peter, while a traumatized Peter struggles to navigate life in a fog. Meanwhile, Steve (Gabriel Byrne) tries to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Imagine a place where the stunning natural beauty of the outdoors is interwoven seamlessly with a vibrant and bustling city atmosphere. It is Park City, Utah. With its towering mountain ranges and charming historic district, Park City has everything from world-class skiing to high-end shopping and dining. It is no wonder that Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and continues to be a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts.
However, do not let the snow fool you - Park City is equally alluring in the summertime, with hiking and biking trails, water sports, and plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature. Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, visitors can rent a car or take advantage of the many shuttle and transportation services available.
The school scene in Hereditary
West High School, 241 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States
As Peter (Alex Wolff) stands outside his school, Joan (Ann Dowd) suddenly appears and tries to remove his spirit from his body to offer it to the demon king. An invisible force overcomes Peter inside the classroom, and he forcefully bangs his head against his desk.
Annie (Toni Collette) confesses to Steve (Gabriel Byrne) about her connection to Charlie's (Milly Shapiro) sketchbook and desperately pleads with him to burn it since she cannot bring herself to end her own life. When Steve refuses, Annie snatches the book from his grasp and hurls it into the fire, but instead, Steve bursts into flames.
Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City is West High School, a well-respected institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1890. With a campus that spans nearly 20 acres, West High School has become a favorite among students, faculty, and parents. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, top-notch athletics programs, and diverse student body, West High School offers a well-rounded education that prepares its graduates for success in college and beyond.
If you're trying to find your way to 241 N 300 W in Salt Lake City, there are several routes you can take depending on your starting point. One option is to take I-15 North and exit at 600 N, turn left onto West Temple, then right onto 300 W. Another route is to take I-80 East and exit at 600 S onto West Temple, followed by a left onto 300 W.
Conclusion
Hereditary, an unsettling horror film about a family plagued by tragedy and the paranormal, was shot in several different locales across Utah. Filming took place in Park City, Salt Lake City, Sandy, and at Utah Film Studios to capture the unique atmosphere of the story.
Through these various locations, Hereditary shows audiences the state landscapes, from urban cityscapes to rural settings, helping to create a sense of dread and fear. This highly effective use of filming locations helps Hereditary stand out as an intense and harrowing horror film that will stay with viewers long after its conclusion.