Midsommar

UK Release Date: 03 July 2019
Certification: 18
Director: Ari Aster 
Cast: Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper, Archie Madekwe, Will Poulter, Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Ellora Torchia

Rating: 80%

                                                                                                                                                   

Review:

Ari Aster's second feature film, Midsommar, is a follow up to his smash-hit arthouse horror debut, Hereditary. Both are released by the phenomenal production studio, A24 (Aftersun, Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Whale) which immediately drew my interest into the film being a huge fan of the studio. Regardless of polarising general audiences, the film has gained a mass following and is touted as one of the best horrors of the 21st century. 

Aster and cinematographer, Pawel Pogorzelski, complement each other superbly to create one of the most atmospheric films in recent memory in such an intelligent way. Choosing to set the film in Sweden - where the sunlight lasts roughly 18 hours in the summer - allows for horrific visuals to be juxtaposed by shots of broad daylight through some superb shot selection and a dazzling colour palette. The scares are provided by profound imagery and unnerving satanic symbolism rather than cheap 'jump-scares'. Despite taking place during the day, out in the open, Midsommar has the ability to keep you on edge at all times even during a relatively harmless scene. Bobby Krlic's score, much like the film, has an ambiguity about it that unsettles the audience without truly knowing what is going on. The film builds and builds with increasing tension until approximately an hour in, where Aster chooses to shock the audience with some of the most callous violence put to screen. 

The film-making could be praised endlessly but that's simply how good the direction is in Midsommar. Aster disguises an entire story within the background of almost every scene. He foreshadows aspects of the runtime in the opening scene that only resurface looking back upon the film. 

At the time, Florence Pugh was a rising star in British cinema but with Midsommar she really announced herself on the global stage. The emotional depth on display from her is staggering. She says so much without having to say anything at all expressing paranoia through uncontrollable facial expressions and mass hysteria. Through her character's journey, Ari Aster is able to explore grief and toxic relationships in a totally unique manner. Her chemistry - or lack of - with Jack Reynor was entirely believable and made her spiral into insanity somewhat enjoyable to behold. She seeks acceptance, no matter how negatively it effects either herself or others. In an otherwise disturbing watch, Will Poulter's comic relief was desperately needed but this is entirely Pugh's film. 

Based on a real Midsummer festival in Hårga, Aster paid great attention to the cultural significance of the Swedish traditions and ancient folklore. He put so much time and effort into his research that a director's cut was released adding another 25 minutes to the two and a half hour runtime. I think the added sequences of character development and Hårga backstory would have only benefited the experience for me as I was invested into the world created. 

Midsommar is uncomfortable, unsettling and an extremely weird experience. If it wasn't for the endless amounts of hidden subtext, I don't think the film would have any rewatchability due to it's  distressing nature. Nevertheless, I'm eagerly anticipating what Ari Aster can do with Beau Is Afraid next month.