Ari Aster, born on July 15, 1986, in New York City, NY, grew up in a Jewish family with a deep appreciation for the arts. His father, a musician, and his mother, a poet, instilled in him a love for storytelling from a young age. As a child, he was captivated by horror films, a genre that would later shape his career as a filmmaker.
After graduating from high school, Aster pursued his passion for film by enrolling at the College of Santa Fe, where he studied the craft of storytelling through visual media. It was during this time that he honed his skills as a screenwriter, writing scripts for short films that would garner attention at various film festivals.
Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Aster was accepted into the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory graduate program in 2010. There, he delved deeper into the art of filmmaking, refining his directing skills and earning a Master of Fine Arts degree.
After graduating from the AFI Conservatory, Aster began making a name for himself in the film industry with his unique and haunting storytelling style. His short films, including "Tale of Two Tims" and "The Strange Thing About the Johnsons," showcased his talent for creating narratives that left audiences both disturbed and captivated.
Aster's breakthrough came with the release of his feature film debut, "Hereditary," in 2018. The horror film, starring Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, and Milly Shapiro, received critical acclaim and solidified Aster's reputation as a master of the genre. The film earned him nominations for two Gotham Awards, a South by Southwest Film Festival Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.
Building on the success of "Hereditary," Aster continued to push the boundaries of horror with his follow-up film, "Midsommar," released in 2019. The film, set against the backdrop of a Swedish festival, further established Aster as a visionary filmmaker and earned him another Gotham Award nomination.
Despite his success in the film industry, Aster remains grounded in his personal life. He credits his family for instilling in him a passion for storytelling and supporting his creative endeavors. In addition to his parents, Aster has a younger brother who shares his love for the arts.
Ari Aster's innovative approach to horror filmmaking has solidified his place as a trailblazer in the genre. His films, known for their psychological depth and visceral scares, have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. As he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, Aster is poised to become one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.