Filming a psychological thriller can be difficult, especially in making sure you get all of the aspects correct. However, it’s been proven that it can be done by director and writer Ari Aster. Aster wrote and directed popular films including “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” as well as the upcoming film “Beau is Afraid.” Aster has also written and produced many short films.

“Hereditary” came out on June 8, 2018, and starred Toni Collette, Gabriel Bryne, Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro. “Hereditary” follows the Graham family, who seems to experience tragedy after tragedy. After the family’s 13-year-old daughter, Charlie, is killed in an awful car accident in which the 17-year-old son, Peter (who luckily lived), was driving, a sinister truth unravels. The family falls apart soon after, with grief and anger taking over each of them. I personally think that the film is genius. The way that Aster is able to make a movie about a grieving family while incorporating horror into it in such a raw way is incredible to me. The acting was also phenomenal; Toni Collette did an amazing job playing a grieving mother.

As if Aster couldn’t make a better movie, “Midsommar” came out a little over a year later on July 3, 2019. This one starred Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor and centered around a dysfunctional couple who takes a trip to Sweden for a midsummer camp. However, they soon discover that this isn’t just a camp, it’s a cult. “Midsommar” was a hard watch, not because it was bad, but because the acting felt so real, and the plot was gruesome. The ending was a big shock, however it was definitely a good way to conclude the film.

Lastly, “Beau is Afraid” is coming out in theaters on April 21, 2023. “Beau is Afraid” will be led by Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a middle aged man whose mother just passed away. He then has to confront some of his deepest, darkest secrets, and he embarks on a journey to find his way back home. While there isn’t too much information about the film yet, I have very high hopes for it. Considering that it’s an A24 production and Aster wrote it, I’m anticipating it being another great movie.

All that being said, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of “Beau is Afraid.” The cast looks great and based on the previews, it looks like it’s going to be yet another great film from Aster. Even though the overall runtime is three hours long, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the film in theaters.