Midsommar - A Movie Review

This trip to Sweden is going to be fun. I wonder what we’ll see.

Arriving into theaters after a trip to Sweden, Midsommar is a 2019 film. Following a tragedy in her family, Dani travels with her boyfriend to visit a festive in a rural village of Sweden. At first fun, the festivities transform into a bizarre and violent experience driven by a cult.

Midsommar was so bizarre that I could not stop thinking about the strange images and what all meant for over a week. This movie is a film that makes you think, that’s for sure. Exploring the depths of relationships, and a cult, Midsommar has a lot to unwrap amidst the many layers.

I’m impressed with the ranges that Florence Pugh uncovers in a brilliant and emotionally difficult performance. Dani has been undergoing horrible trauma that is unbearable at times. I believe that Pugh conquered the depths of Dani’s grief.

Although I feel like her character’s motivation got a bit lost in the direction. Dani is more excessive about making her failing relationship work over the family tragedy which is the main focus in the beginning.

Pugh and Jack Raynor did an outstanding job working out the dynamic of a toxic relationship. If there’s a film that enforces being in a positive relationship more than forcing one, Midsommar is the film. Christian is manipulative. I disliked the way he coldly talked to Dani and disregard her feelings. Raynor sold the nature of his character.

There’s more than one subplot going on in Midsommar. Vilhelm Blumberg, William Jackson Harper, and Will Poulter star as Christian’s friends. Each has a varying opinion of Dani. Their interactions were well-directed, along with displaying motivations.

Every character has depth. Ensemble connected to their characters so that audiences couldn’t. Startling performances were created making it hard to trust anyone. I’m impressed with their research into a film like this.

Once again, Ari Aster conquers the reigns as a director. He incorporated captivating camera work, cinematography, and symbolism. Look very closely at background moments, listen to the dialogue, and take an in-depth look at the tapestries. I’m intrigued to learn how he thought up a sinister film like this. His direction brought out the mystical essence of a dark story.

Speaking on which, Midsommar is the brightest horror film ever. Save for one scene, the whole film takes place in the daytime. It is offputting. The visual effects speak louder than words.

Midsommar is slow-paced. Fair warning that some sequences last a little too long, holding the camera to make sure audiences see every subtle detail. Midsommar started to drag by the middle half. I feel like some scenes could have been cut from its long run time.

Midsommar contains dark themes that are not suitable for all audiences. This is not an easy film to sit through. It was also not an easy film for the actors and even Aster! Based on research, they would focus on little hobbies during breaks to get out of the depressing mindset. I give a hand to all who were involved in this film.

The beginning is heartwrenching along with the theme of grief. Grotesque, bloody, and violent, the images of Midsommar are stapled into your head, staying with you for a long time. I took a breath as soon as the film was over. One has to really study the symbolism in this film.

If you would like to watch Midsommar, I’d only recommended it to mature audiences. Pay close attention to all the hidden details because this film throws a lot at you.