This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 201! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey everyone,
So, I just got around to watching “Midsommar,” directed by the one and only Ari Aster, and let me tell you, it’s a movie that’s equal parts stunningly beautiful and messed up beyond belief. This isn’t your typical horror flick. There’s no jump scares here (well, maybe one or two), but what it lacks in those, it makes up for in sheer unsettling vibes. Like, seriously, this movie will burrow under your skin and stay there for days. Just a heads up
So, the story follows Dani (played by the phenomenal Florence Pugh), a young woman who’s reeling from a horrific family tragedy. Her boyfriend, Christian (let’s just say he’s not exactly boyfriend of the year material), invites her on a trip to Sweden with him and his friends to celebrate a midsummer festival in his ancestral village.
Now, pictures don’t do this place justice. Think endless fields bathed in sunlight, these crazy beautiful flower crowns everyone wears, and a commune-like atmosphere that’s almost… too perfect. Sounds fun, right? Spoiler alert: It’s not.
The village is all kinds of picturesque, with those endless daylight hours that just mess with your head. But here’s the twist – the locals’ traditions are more twisted than a pretzel. We’re talking bizarre rituals and ceremonies that get under your skin, and some seriously messed up traditions involving sacrifices (think leaping off a cliff but way more graphic )
As the days pass (with the sun barely setting, by the way, thanks to the whole never-ending daylight thing at high latitudes) and the festival unfolds, the veneer of this idyllic paradise starts to crack.
Things go from “Oh, that’s odd” to “What in the world am I watching?!” There’s this wild flower dance scene where Dani ends up being crowned the May Queen, and let’s just say, the flower power is strong but also super eerie. The villagers’ smiles start looking a lot less friendly and a whole lot more freaky.
One by one, Dani’s travel companions meet some seriously unfortunate ends (think bear mauling but way, way more messed up), and let’s just say Christian’s not exactly winning any boyfriend points throughout all this. By the climax, things are full-on crazy cult ritual with hallucinogenic mushrooms, a disturbing crowning ceremony for poor Dani, and a whole lot of screaming. Oh, and did I mention the giant burning bonfire? Yeah, not your typical bonfire night.
What really gets you is the daylight horror vibe. Most scary movies hide behind the cloak of night, but “Midsommar” throws all the creepy stuff at you under a blinding sun. You can’t even trust daylight anymore!
Look, “Midsommar” isn’t for everyone. It’s disturbing, violent, and goes to some seriously dark places. But for those who dig psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll, this is a must-watch. Florence Pugh deserves a standing ovation for her performance – she carries the entire film on her shoulders, capturing every ounce of Dani’s spiraling sanity with such raw emotion. Seriously, her range is incredible. One minute she’s sobbing uncontrollably, the next she’s staring blankly into the distance with this look of chilling determination. She’s phenomenal. And Jack Reynor? He perfectly portrays a boyfriend who’s a bit of a lost cause. 😬
Now, let me get real with you for a sec. This film isn’t just jump scares; it’s deeply disturbing on a psychological level. It makes you ponder about relationships, grief, and human behavior in ways that stick with you long after the film ends. I’m talking about an absolutely horrifying film that just might haunt your dreams.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a fun, feel-good summer flick, steer clear of this one. But if you’re up for a wild and utterly disturbing ride that will leave you questioning everything, “Midsommar” is your jam. Just maybe have a cuddle buddy on hand for after – this one will stay with you. Trust me.
Peace out,
Roger
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