Another theme that is central to the film is the idea of inherited trauma. The title "Hereditary" refers not only to the family's genetic history but also to the idea that trauma and pain can be passed down from one generation to the next. This theme is reflected in the film's use of imagery and symbolism, including the recurring motif of the family's ancestral home.
After the death of an elderly matriarch, her daughter, Annie Graham (Toni Collette), and her family begin to unravel terrifying secrets about their ancestry and a malevolent legacy.