Midsommar (2019)
Directed by Ari Aster
Being in another country, where they speak another language, and being put in scary situations is one of my biggest fears. So when I heard about Midsommar I was really intrigued. Then when I heard it was an Ari Aster movie, I was really intrigued. Hereditary was a really intense and good movie, I was able to watch it last year and it had an impact on me. So when Midsommar popped up on prime, I had to check it out.
A group of college friends travel to Sweden to visit a rural hometown’s fabled mid summer festival. What begins as idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult. At least that’s the plot on IMDB. I’d say that’s rather concise, and spot on. From the get go you can tell something isn’t quite right about the cult or community in Sweden, the rituals are a little strange, but you kind of initially chalk it up to being a different culture. Once people start dying, then shit hits the fan. I won’t give away too much of it, since it is still rather new.
The acting in the movie is quite good. Florence Pugh as Dani was really good, she emotes very well and you feel everything she feels. Jack Reynor as Christian wasn’t amazing, but he got the job done. The change in his character is kind of interesting throughout the movie. The rest of the characters aren’t really essential we get Josh, played by William Jackson Harper, he’s fairly good as well, but his character could have been developed more. Will Poulter as Mark was kind of the dummy of the group, but we get that in many movies, he wasn’t super annoying but just kind of there and just fun loving.
The scenery is probably the strongest part of this movie. The awesome atmosphere and landscapes keep you looking around the whole time. Bright vivid colors and daylight are a nice change from the dark and dreary look of Hereditary. Midsommar’s impact is truly felt with its contrast in the cheery look of the surroundings contrasting with the dread and uneasiness of the actions. The cult is very creepy as well, from their over kindness and almost lackadaisical nature with the death of their own kind.
I think the best thing of this movie is the lack of trendy music. Aside from film score, there isn’t much in the way of music. I think pop music tends to distract from movies like this and I’m glad they kept the soundtrack short. The atmosphere of the crazy festival needs to be felt in every way, playing some stupid fucking Rhianna song or indie bullshit would lessen the impact. The score to the movie is great, simple and effective.
All in all I enjoyed this movie, but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. The gore is rather plentiful, and some of the scenes are upsetting. Big horror fans will enjoy it, casual fans probably not. The scenery, atmosphere, and score are the stand outs, while the slow burn feel might scare some people off, it helped with the anticipation of whats going to happen next. I give Midsommar an A-, while its done well, I don’t see myself watching this all that much.
