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" explores folk horror through the lens of a psychological drama. The story follows a group of American students who travel to a remote Swedish commune for a summer festival that occurs every 90 years. What begins as an anthropological study of local customs gradually devolves into a series of disturbing rituals as the visitors become increasingly entangled with the isolated community.
The film distinguishes itself within the horror genre by largely taking place in broad daylight, contrasting the bright, pastoral setting with the unsettling events unfolding. Its themes touch on grief, toxic relationships, and cultural conflict, using hallucinogenic drugs and paganism as elements that further disorient the protagonists. The runtime extends to nearly two and a half hours, allowing for a slow build of tension and an immersive, if often uncomfortable, experience.
"Midsommar" has garnered discussion for its blend of mystery and horror, earning an 83% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and a 72/100 on Metacritic. The critical reception suggests that while it may not appeal to all horror fans seeking traditional scares, its approach to psychological dread and its unique visual style have resonated with many viewers and critics.
Why you might be searching for Midsommar
Many people are searching for 'Midsommar' due to its memorable, often shocking, ritual scenes and its distinctive visual style, which sets horror in perpetual daylight. Its exploration of cults, pagan traditions, and themes of emotional trauma also make it a subject of frequent discussion and inquiry.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the film adept at building suspense and praised its opening scene, but felt the execution of later sequences, particularly the brutality, did not fully deliver on the two-hour buildup, despite strong performances.
Read the full reviewA reviewer who typically dislikes arthouse horror found "Midsommar" visually creative but ultimately unengaging, without inspiring a desire to explore theories or rewatch the film.
Read the full reviewA reviewer noted that the film, while marketed as horror, does not aim to provide jump scares or nightmares. They also mentioned the film's slow pace, with key cult scenes appearing an hour into its substantial runtime.
Read the full reviewThis film was seen as an impressive follow-up, with a reviewer drawing comparisons to "The Wicker Man" due to its premise of a woman following her boyfriend to a seemingly friendly but ultimately unsettling pagan commune.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream Midsommar on HBO Max. The movie was released on July 3, 2019.
Midsommar is not based on a true story, though its creators researched Swedish folk traditions to build the fictional Harga culture. Director Ari Aster developed the film's concept with Swedish producers Martin Karlqvist and Patrik Andersson, who initially proposed a Swedish-set folk-horror tale.
In the ending of Midsommar, Dani becomes the May Queen after winning a dance competition. She then chooses her boyfriend Christian to be sacrificed, along with four Harga members and four other outsiders, in a purging ritual for the community. The sacrifices are placed in a yellow pyramid-shaped building, which is then set on fire, and Dani is seen smiling as she watches.
Midsommar has an 83% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered an unsettling, impressive horror film. Critics have praised director Ari Aster's work, calling the movie ambitious and well-crafted, though some found it uneven at times.