Midsommar (2019)
Several friends travel to Sweden to study as anthropologists a summer festival that is held every ninety years in the remote hometown of one of them. What begins as a dream vacation in a place where the sun never sets, gradually turns into a dark nightmare as the mysterious inhabitants invite them to participate in their disturbing festive activities.
Details
Budget
$9,000,000
Rating
7/10 (7303 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
B-Reel Films, Square Peg
About Midsommar
Ari Aster's 2019 film "Midsommar" presents a folk horror narrative set against the perpetually bright backdrop of a Swedish summer. The story follows a group of American students who travel to a remote commune for a solstice festival, which occurs every 90 years. What begins as an immersive cultural experience gradually reveals itself to be something more unsettling and ritualistic.
The movie blends elements of horror, drama, and mystery, exploring themes of grief, relationships, and belonging. It stands out for its unique visual approach, contrasting disturbing events with vibrant, sunlit aesthetics rather than traditional dark horror settings. The film's extended runtime allows for a slow build-up of suspense as the protagonists become increasingly entangled in the commune's customs.
Upon its release, "Midsommar" garnered generally positive critical reception, noted for its psychological depth and genre subversion. It registered a 7.1/10 on IMDb from over 480,000 votes, an 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 72/100 on Metacritic, indicating a favorable response from both critics and audiences interested in its particular style of horror.
Why you might be searching for Midsommar
Many people are searching for "Midsommar" due to its distinctive visual style, especially the contrast of its horror elements with bright, pastoral settings. Specific details like the white dresses, flower capes, and communal rituals, as well as scenes involving psychedelic experiences and human sacrifices, are frequently recalled. The film's focus on a cult and its disturbing practices also makes it a memorable title for those looking for unique horror movie themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Midsommar" on HBO Max, and it's also available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
"Midsommar" is not based on a true story, but it was inspired by a real Swedish holiday festival and elements of Swedish folklore. Director Ari Aster incorporated genuine traditions of the Midsummer Festival and a real Swedish myth about the "dark one" into the film, while adding horror elements and focusing on a deteriorating relationship.
At the end of "Midsommar," Dani is crowned May Queen and must choose one person to be sacrificed. She chooses her boyfriend, Christian, who is then placed inside a bear's carcass with other sacrifices in a wooden temple that is set on fire. Florence Pugh, who plays Dani, stated she interpreted Dani's reaction as a mental break, where she was unaware of the specifics of what was happening and appeared happy as the temple burned.
"Midsommar" received generally positive reviews, with an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 72 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised Ari Aster's direction and Florence Pugh's performance, describing the film as unsettling and ambitious. It has been noted for its exploration of a breakup disguised as folk horror.
