After his success with Hereditary, Ari Aster follows it up with the 2019 folk horror Midsommar. It’s the third last movie on our 2021 October challenge. The original idea was supposed to be a slasher movie but after a break-up, Ari Aster wanted to explore that instead. Honestly, the idea of this being a slasher is intriguing to me and a part of me wishes it was.
Midsommar stars Florence Pugh, Will Poulter, William Jackson Harper and Jack Reynor.
Midsommar follows Dani Ardor (Pugh) as something horrible happens to her. She decides to go with her boyfriend (Reynor) and his friends to Sweden for a Midsummer celebration. At first, everything seems perfect. Almost too perfect.
And as always, whenever something is too perfect, that’s because it’s not actually. Something more sinister awaits for the group as the true intentions of the Midsummer celebration comes to light.
Whenever Florence Pugh is in something, it’s easy to assume she’s going to be the best thing about it. Midsommar is a testament to that. Florence shines in every conceivable way. She portrays the complexity of Dani’s emotions with ease. It doesn’t matter what the script asks of her, she delivers.
Moreover, there are no weak links in the main cast. Their portrayals of the character force the feelings they want from you. At some point you’ll hate nearly everyone, and at other times you’ll love them.
Midsommar is complex horror the audience can’t take its eyes away from for fear of losing a sense of what’s going on. It delves into multiple mental health issues while weaving a terrifying tale of a creepy community and a relationship destiny always had a messed-up plan for.
