‘Midsommar’ is quite simply a work of art. Writer/director Ari Aster takes us into a horrifying world of pagan rituals and sun-drenched floral colors. This is the filmmaker’s second feature film after the success of 2018’s ‘Hereditary.’ Once again, he masterfully crafts his story with gorgeously shot scenes that become progressively shocking and barbaric. The young cast is terrific. The standout performance undeniably goes to Florence Pugh. I’ve loved this actress since I saw her in her debut film 2016’s ‘Lady Macbeth.’ The psychological thriller ‘Midsommar’ is sure to be polarizing with audiences. Aster will make you reexamine your belief system on life, death and rebirth. It is one of the must-see films of the summer.
The plot is straightforward. Post-grad student Dani (Pugh) is going through unspeakable grief and loss. Her sister afflicted with bipolar disorder leads to a tragic event. Dani’s boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) is not giving her the emotional support she needs. Their relationship has been on the rocks for a while but out of pity he invites her with his buddies on a summer trip to Sweden. One of his pals Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren) has invited them to the commune that he grew up in that is located in the northern part of the country. Josh (William Jackson Harper) is an anthropology student that plans to do his thesis on the communities’ ancient rituals.
The main appeal of the film is how we are slowly introduced to the commune. On the surface, it seems friendly and innocent. The village is filled with beautiful Scandinavian women adorned with floral wreaths on their hair. The group is offered magic mushrooms that put Dani in a panic attack. She slowly begins to settle into the festivities. Aster takes his time slowly ratcheting up the creepy traditions of the commune. One character even comments that it seems like they are in Waco which refers to the Branch Davidian cult from 1993. Remember, the kids are anthropology students so they try to look at the increasingly violent customs with an open mind. The audience is also lured into the macabre and trying to make sense of it all too.
Is Aster trying to make a statement about cults? They seem to attract individuals that are seeking family. This is precisely what the main character Dani is craving. She is dealing with tremendous grief and loss. It’s easy to see why she would gravitate toward the Swedish cult. As the rituals become stranger and more violent, the tension builds for the audience as well. You will decide if it has gone too far. Or has it? To the villagers, the bizarre rituals of the festival are normal. Who is to say that they are wrong in their belief system? That is the fascinating part of ‘Midsommar.’ Aster is not trying to change the audience’s belief system. He is making you question your beliefs.
This film is certainly not for everyone. There are some disturbing scenes. Some cultures view death in a different light. Americans see it with grief and loss while other cultures view it as celebratory. Pugh’s portrayal of Dani is electrifying. You will feel this young woman’s pain and grief. The gorgeous production design of the Swedish village is alluring. The Swedish women act like sexually attractive sirens. ‘Midsommar’ is shocking but strangely sublime due to director Ari Aster’s brilliant filmmaking style.
