Midsommar (2019)
Gridline Ratings: G4.5/5
1. Plot Summary
Dani, a grief-stricken young woman, travels to Sweden with her boyfriend and his friends to attend a once-every-90-years midsummer festival. As the rural commune reveals its disturbing rituals, a psychedelic descent into horror, loss, and rebirth unfolds.
2. The World
Setting (place & time):
The film is set in the remote Swedish village of Hårga, during the summer solstice festival. The blinding daylight, pastoral beauty, and strange customs sharply contrast the sinister undertones.
Socio-political or cultural context:
The story explores grief, emotional dependence, and cultural dissonance. It juxtaposes American individualism with the collectivist, ritualistic nature of the commune.
Cinematic world/universe:
Midsommar exists in a grounded, realistic universe but immerses viewers in a cult-like world that feels otherworldly due to its rituals, hallucinogenic experiences, and communal ideology.
3. Discourse
Themes:
- Grief and trauma
- Toxic relationships
- Cultural relativism vs. moral absolutism
- Rebirth through destruction
- The illusion of choice in ritual
Narrative structure:
The film follows a linear yet slow-burning arc. Dani’s internal emotional journey parallels the narrative, culminating in her spiritual and symbolic transformation.
Directorial style:
Ari Aster’s direction is meticulous and slow, emphasizing dread through light, symmetry, and contrast. He flips horror convention by using excessive brightness instead of darkness.
Visual/symbolic language:
- Floral motifs represent femininity, fertility, and control.
- The May Queen crown symbolizes power through submission.
- Rituals mirror stages of emotional death and rebirth.
- Hallucinatory visuals externalize internal states.
Real-world relevance or critique:
Midsommar critiques emotional neglect, particularly within modern relationships. It challenges the Western gaze upon "primitive" cultures and questions what we label as normal or monstrous.
4. Quotes
Famous quotes or dialogues:
- “Does it feel like home to you?”
- “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I wanted to share it with you.”
- “Not everyone gets a family. I was lucky.”
- “We just do this for the greater good.”
5. Cast
Key performances and roles:
- Florence Pugh as Dani Ardor
- Jack Reynor as Christian Hughes
- William Jackson Harper as Josh
- Will Poulter as Mark
- Vilhelm Blomgren as Pelle
- Gunnel Fred as Siv
Florence Pugh’s performance as Dani is widely acclaimed for its emotional intensity and range, serving as the film’s emotional core.
6. Miscellaneous
Fun facts:
- The film was shot in Hungary, not Sweden.
- Ari Aster describes Midsommar as a "break-up film disguised as horror."
- All runes and tapestries in the film were drawn from real Scandinavian folklore.
Trivia:
- Most of the film takes place in daylight, subverting traditional horror visuals.
- A bear is symbolically used throughout, representing sacrifice and transformation.
Critical reception:
Critics praised the film’s originality, visuals, and Florence Pugh’s performance. Some criticized its pacing and length, particularly in the director's cut.
Cultural or historical influence:
Midsommar revived interest in folk horror and sparked discussions on cultural sensitivity, emotional abuse, and the therapeutic function of horror films.
Image source: wikipedia
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