Ari Aster

Ari Aster (born April 7, 1985) is an American filmmaker and screenwriter. He is best known for writing and directing the horror films Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), both of which were critically acclaimed upon release, as well as the short film The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011).

Early life and education

Aster was born in Los Angeles on April 7, 1985 to a Jewish family. His father worked in finance while his mother was a philanthropist. At age 12 he moved with his parents to New York City where he attended Friends Seminary high school before attending Vassar College from 2004-2008 earning degrees in philosophy and theater respectively. During this period he also studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where he developed an interest in filmmaking after taking classes there including one taught by director Mike Leigh who became a major influence on him later on. He graduated college summa cum laude with highest honors for both Theater & Philosophy degree programs receiving Vassar’s Phi Beta Kappa Award that year 2008/2009 Upon graduating Ari started working at production companies such as A24 Films prior to starting work on his own projects like shorts Johnson Family Vacation(2008) ,The Strange Thing About Johnsons(2011).

Career

After making several shorts over 8 years Ari finally released feature debut “Hereditary”in 2018 to critical acclaim receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics praising its direction performance visuals story pacing etc It grossed $79 million worldwide against budget of around 10$ Million .He followed up next year 2019 wih another successful Horror movie Midsommer again gaining massive praises from critics fans alike even winning few awards among them being Best Director award at 36th Independent Spirit Awards 2020 it made 87 million dollars Worldwide becoming most commercially succesful movie so far .In June 2019 it was announced that Aster would write direct adaptation of David Grann novel Killers Of Flower Moon along side Martin Scorsese producing project set up through Appian Way Productions many other notable names attached too As part 2021 Sundance Film Festival it premiered documentary about Aster titled ‘Lucky’ directed by Livby Nye exploring personal&professional journey till present day..

Personal Life

In December 2017 Ari married Swedish actress Isabelle Grill which they met during filming midsommer She has acted some minor roles near end credits related movies Similarly Astor himself had cameo appearance midway thru midsoomer playing character named Pelle.