The story follows Lauren Monroe (Collins), a successful district attorney who inherits a mysterious and shocking secret from her late father. Her father, Archer Monroe (Patrick Warburton), was a wealthy and powerful real estate developer who dies at the beginning of the movie. After his death, Lauren receives a video message from him, revealing that he has left her a hidden bunker somewhere on his mansion’s property.
In the bunker, Lauren finds a man chained up and tortured, named Morgan Warner (Chace Crawford). Archer explains in the video that Morgan was a dangerous criminal who escaped justice due to his connections with powerful people. He was kept captive by Archer, but he has left him to Lauren as a way to avenge himself and expose his corrupt business partners, who had been aiding and abetting Morgan.
The rest of the movie focuses on Lauren’s struggle to deal with her inheritance, as she uncovers more secrets and dangers connected to her father and Morgan. She must navigate a web of lies, corruption, and violence, as she tries to protect her family and bring justice to the world.
One of the most fascinating aspects of “Inheritance” is its exploration of inherited trauma. Lauren is portrayed as a stoic and rational lawyer who tries to distance herself from her father’s shadow, but as she delves deeper into his secrets, she realizes how much he had influenced her life and personality. She discovers that her father had been controlling and abusive toward her and her brother, William (Chase Stokes), and had kept them under surveillance all their lives. He had also covered up a horrific crime committed by William, which had traumatized him and turned him into an alcoholic.
Through Lauren’s experiences, the movie suggests that trauma and guilt can be inherited across generations, and that the past can never truly be escaped. It also shows how power, wealth, and privilege can corrupt people and make them blind to their own moral failings.
The acting in “Inheritance” is excellent, especially from Lily Collins and Simon Pegg, who play against type and deliver memorable performances. Collins brings a steely determination and vulnerability to her role, as she transforms from a confident prosecutor to a fragile victim of circumstance. Pegg, on the other hand, is chilling and menacing as Morgan, a character that subverts his usual comedic persona.
The direction and cinematography of “Inheritance” are also noteworthy, as Stein creates a moody and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. The bunker scenes, in particular, are claustrophobic and intense, as the characters try to figure out each other’s motives and secrets.
In conclusion, “Inheritance” is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that explores the themes of trauma, corruption, and power in a compelling way. It showcases wonderful performances from its cast and impressive technical aspects. However, it is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains scenes of violence and disturbing content.