“Midsommar” follows Dani, who’s reeling from the traumatic loss of her sister and parents. She’s also stuck in a crumbling relationship with Christian, who invites her – reluctantly – on a trip to Sweden with his friends. That trip quickly devolves into a hallucinogenic spiral of rituals, infidelity and gruesome deaths.
An Emotionally Raw Performance
The core cast shines. Florence Pugh (Dani) delivers a performance so raw and emotional it feels almost too real. You can feel her grief in every scene. Jack Reynor (Christian) brings depth to a frustrating character and leans fully into making him detestable, which works to the film’s advantage.
Ari Aster reportedly gave Reynor freedom to shape the role, and it shows. Supporting performances from Vilhelm Blomgren (Pelle), Will Poulter (Mark), and William Jackson Harper (Josh) also stand out. Poulter brings unexpected levity, providing the film’s few moments of humor.
Visual Beauty Masks Horror
Aster’s direction is the film’s standout element. Every shot is meticulous, with breathtaking cinematography that turns even brutal violence into strangely beautiful imagery. The few on-screen deaths are graphic and detailed, something horror fans will appreciate. But what truly sets “Midsommar” apart is its tone. It doesn’t fit neatly into the horror or suspense categories – it lives in its own space, blurring genres and defying expectations.
The film’s pacing might divide viewers. I didn’t feel it dragged overall, but some scenes linger longer than needed. While the storytelling is fairly straightforward and doesn’t contain many twists, the presentation makes it feel fresh.
Not for Everyone, But Unforgettable
“Midsommar” isn’t a film I’d easily recommend to a casual moviegoer. It’s too unconventional, too strange. Fans expecting another “Hereditary” might be let down, but for those who want something beautiful, disturbing and completely original, “Midsommar” is worth seeing. It’s the kind of film that will leave audiences either mesmerized or repulsed – with very little in between.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
