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 grieving woman's journey to a remote Swedish commune. The story follows Dani, who, after a family tragedy, accompanies her emotionally distant boyfriend and his friends to a unique summer festival that occurs every ninety years. The bright, sun-drenched setting, a departure from typical horror aesthetics, creates an unsettling contrast with the dark rituals and escalating paranoia.
The film delves into themes of loss, toxic relationships, and cultural conflict, using a hallucinogenic atmosphere to distort the reality of the characters. As the festival progresses, the visitors become entangled in the commune's pagan traditions, which include human sacrifice and disturbing ceremonies. "Midsommar" received a "C+" CinemaScore and has divided audiences, with some finding its slow burn and psychological approach less engaging than traditional horror, while others appreciate its unique visual style and thematic depth.
While some viewers noted the film's lengthy runtime and gradual pacing, it has been praised for its striking visuals and the lead performance. The film's critical reception has been generally positive, holding an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why you might be searching for Midsommar
People often search for "Midsommar" due to its distinctive visual style, especially the bright, daytime setting for a horror film, and its focus on a pagan cult's summer festival rituals. Viewers are also curious about the film's exploration of psychological disorders, toxic relationships, and the intense grieving process experienced by the main character, Dani. The film's unique approach to folk horror, involving hallucinogenic drugs and cultural conflict, also makes it a memorable and frequently discussed title.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found that while the film built suspense well and had a powerful opening, its execution fell short in delivering brutality by the end, making the payoff feel minimal after a long build-up, despite strong performances.
Read the full reviewAnother viewer, generally not keen on arthouse horror, felt the film occupied a middle ground where it wasn't boring but also didn't fully engage them, noting the visuals were creative but not enough to warrant a rewatch.
Read the full reviewA reviewer anticipated the film after enjoying Aster's previous work, but noted that "Midsommar" is not a typical horror movie designed to scare, and its slow pace, with the first major cult scene appearing an hour into its long runtime, might be divisive.
Read the full reviewOne person considered "Midsommar" an impressive work, comparing it to "The Wicker Man" due to its premise of a visitor encountering a pagan cult commune in Sweden, and based their review on the seamless director's cut.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Midsommar" on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, or watch it for free with ads on Tubi TV, Xumo Play, Kanopy, and Hoopla. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Tickets to see it in theaters are available on Fandango. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/midsommar)
"Midsommar" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional horror film by Ari Aster, featuring a secluded Swedish community called the Hårga, whose concept was developed by Martin Karlqvist and Patrik Andersson. [latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-midsommar-spoilers-ari-aster-jack-reynor-20190703-story.html)
In the ending of "Midsommar," the Hårga commune sacrifices nine people, with Dani, as the May Queen, choosing her paralyzed boyfriend Christian as the final offering. Christian is placed inside a bear's carcass and burned in a wooden temple with the other sacrifices. Dani initially cries but then smiles as the temple collapses, finding resolution after her family's loss and Christian's betrayal. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsommar_(film)), [imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8772262)
"Midsommar" has an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it ambitious and unsettling. However, audience reactions have been divided, with some praising its performances, cinematography, and exploration of mental health themes, while others found its length, lack of subtlety, and violence to be drawbacks. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsommar_(film))