Midsommar: Movie Review

"Midsommar" is nothing like we've ever experienced and it will be even more divisive than "Hereditary". On one hand, the cryptic narrative was and still is the film's strongest point. The deeper you go the more it gives and rewards you for your effort. But the non-direct approach it takes to showcase its horrors and terrors will be frustrating and disappointing for most.

Dani (Florence Pugh) has suffered a family tragedy when her bi-polar sister commits suicide and kills her parents in the process. Coping with extreme grief, Dani decides to tag along her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) to Sweden with his friends. The group are attending a traditional midsummer celebration in a small village in Sweden. But the seemingly friendly village turns out to be a cult with unconventionally horrific beliefs and practices.

Cinephiles will definitely love "Midsommar". It's a film that film buffs and film students will have endless conversations with each other and one that truly showcases the talent of its Director Ari Aster and how to make that magnus opus. The beautiful cinematography, the hidden horrors, the way the story and characters develops and unfolds was amazing. It's a break-up, a fairy tale, and a folk horror film all rolled into one disturbing roll. But here's the thing, even with all the deep symbolism and the awkward and unsettling dread, "Midsommar" disappoints greatly in its horror aspect. It's more gruesome than actually scary. And this is where it's going to be a bitter pill to swallow for some. If you expect it to be a conventional horror film then "Midsommar" will be a huge letdown. There are no monsters or demons here and definitely no jump scares. The narrative takes its time to develop and most of its terrors reveal themselves in the last half hour or so and these are more shocking than terrifying. If you thought "Hereditary" was unconventional then "Midsommar" is even more out there and if you hated "Hereditary" then you'll probably hate "Midsommar" more. But for those who truly open up let themselves lose into the world of "Midsommar", it is one of the best and deepest film experiences you'll ever get.

Rating: 3 and a half reels





Why you should watch it:
- a very deep film that will be divisive but rewarding for those who truly explore its world
- stunning cinematography among the gore

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the cryptic narrative will be frustrating for some
- more disturbing than terrifying