Ari Aster

Ari Aster is an American filmmaker known for his unique fusion of psychological horror and dark comedy. Born on July 15, 1986, in New York City, Aster has earned recognition for his unsettling stories and deeply complex characters. His films explore themes such as grief, trauma, and the fragility of human nature, establishing him as a leading voice in modern cinema.

Bio

Born into a Jewish family in New York City, Ari Aster was raised in a creative environment. His mother, Bobbi Lurie, is a poet and visual artist, while his father is a jazz musician. This artistic upbringing nurtured his early interest in storytelling and filmmaking. Aster recalls his first cinematic experience at age four, watching Dick Tracy, which left a lasting impression.

Early Life

When Aster was 10, his family moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, his fascination with horror films grew, fueled by frequent visits to local video stores. During high school, he wrote six feature-length screenplays, showing an early dedication to filmmaking. Aster earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design in 2008, then pursued a Master of Fine Arts in directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory, graduating in 2010.

Family

Ari Aster’s family has played a significant role in shaping his creative vision. His mother’s work in poetry and visual arts and his father’s career as a jazz musician created an environment rich in artistic influence. He also has a younger brother, contributing to a familial setting supportive of his storytelling ambitions.

Career

Aster’s career began with the provocative short film The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011), which attracted critical attention. His feature debut Hereditary (2018) was a major success, becoming the highest-grossing film for the studio A24 at the time, with over $87 million worldwide. He followed this with Midsommar (2019), a folk horror film that cemented his reputation for unsettling and thought-provoking cinema. In 2023, Aster released Beau Is Afraid, a surreal tragicomedy starring Joaquin Phoenix. His latest film, Eddington (2025), a contemporary Western black comedy, premiered at Cannes and is slated for a July 18, 2025 theatrical release.

Net Worth

Ari Aster’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. His financial success stems from his critically acclaimed films, though he remains dedicated primarily to artistic integrity rather than commercial considerations.