Andsus

Andsus is a fictional character and the main antagonist in the 2017 American horror film *Hereditary*. Portrayed by Toni Collette, the character is revealed to be the mother of the protagonist, Annie Graham (played by Milly Shapiro), and plays a central role in the film’s exploration of family trauma, supernatural horror, and psychological distress.

The character’s backstory is gradually unveiled through flashbacks and dialogue. Anders’ life is marked by tragedy, including the death of her daughter, Charlie, in a car accident, and her subsequent descent into grief and mental instability. Her husband, Steve Graham (Gabriel Byrne), struggles to cope with her erratic behavior, which escalates into violent outbursts. Anders’ relationship with her remaining daughter, Annie, becomes increasingly strained as her psychological state deteriorates.

Andsus’ name is a play on the word "and," reflecting her dual nature as both a mother and a destructive force. The character’s final act involves a horrifying transformation, where she adopts a monstrous, inhuman form, embodying the film’s themes of inherited trauma and the supernatural. Her actions drive the plot’s climax, culminating in a shocking and disturbing confrontation.

Critics and audiences have praised Toni Collette’s performance as Anders, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotional complexity and terror. The character has become iconic in horror cinema, often cited as one of the most unsettling and memorable antagonists in recent years. *Hereditary* itself has been widely acclaimed for its atmospheric tension, psychological depth, and subversion of traditional horror tropes.