Synopsis:
Dani and Christian are a young American couple with a relationship on the brink of falling apart. But after a family tragedy keeps them together, a grieving Dani invites herself to join Christian and his friends on a trip to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village. The carefree summer holiday in a land of eternal sunlight takes a sinister turn when the insular villagers invite their guests to partake in festivities that are increasingly disturbing.
What do you get when you mix psychedelics, paganism, a failing relationship, and horror? Firstly, lots of questions and then therapy, but you also get Ari Aster’s Midsommar. An intensely bright and synchronized mindfuck. The Hereditary director delivers to us the inverse of his dark, bleak first film in the form of sun-flooded Hälsingland, Sweden for midsummer festivities. Shocking and memory branding scenes will have you talking about this film with everyone you know.
The first thing out of my mouth as the credits filled the screen was, “What the hell did I just watch?” I meant it in the best, most confusing, uncomfortable way possible. I have complained for years about the many failures in the horror genre. While some storylines were decent, I never felt anything. Well, that has changed dramatically. Not only was I disturbed but at times I felt like I was experiencing a mushroom trip. A trip that slowly morphed into a ritualistic nightmare. The film is an attack on the senses. Attacking visually, audibly, and mentally all at once on multiple occasions. The sounds, cinematography, and idyllic atmosphere are in perfect tandem. All while leading you on a dark, yet bright sinister path. I’ve used the word bright multiple times, as this is the only horror film I can recall that takes place primarily in sunlight. Whereas, all the darkness is reserved for the actions that unfold. There is an abundance of contrasting themes and ideologies. I’d tell you more but, spoilers. The film doesn’t have your classic jump scares, they would only diminish the artistry. The horror manifests itself in local traditions. Additionally, there are some comical moments but it’s situational humor. Last but not least, I’m now second guessing my non-existent trip to Sweden.
Jack Reynor, Florence Pugh, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren
Photo by Gabor Kotschy, Courtesy of A24
Plot/Pace
The movie starts very ominously and sets a certain tone that fluctuates throughout the film. It flows pretty seamlessly with every seemingly slow moment being filled with symbolism. The overall plot is debatable. Is it about the rocky relationship or what happens to the couple and their friends in Sweden? The friendship dynamic is very realistic. I despise seeing perfect friendships with no organic strain on screen. The subplots are intense. As well as, the climactic scenes. It’s not overly bloody but when it is, it’s very graphic. You might want to eat before the movie and not during if you get queasy.
Characters/Acting
If your partner thought you were a terrible boyfriend, wait until they see Christian (Jack Reynor). He does such a fantastic job portraying a guy you want to see take a loss. Dani (Florence Pugh) delivers a performance that makes you want to root for her as well as call her stupid. There are also great performances from William Jackson Harper and Will Poulter. Along with, Vilhelm Blomgren who might be the unspoken villain. The rest of the cast help make for an overall eerie experience.
Midsommar drops in theaters on July 3, 2019.
Rating
4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
