I’m late to the party on this film, but this was in my opinion a solid entry for A24. Since 2015, when I saw Ex Machina, A24 has really caught my eye with their films. As someone, who’s almost desensitized when it comes to horror films, Midsommar finds a way to unsettle you in new ways. If I could try to put my finger on why it’s unsettling, it would be the fact that the practices of the cult are as bizarre as they can get and yet, it’s all completely normal to them.
The people of the pagan cult seem to come off as an understanding, peaceful group, but when you peel back the surface, you find out that they’re completely mad. Ari Aster, the director, perfectly juxtaposes this with setting as most of the festivities take place during the day when the sun is shining bright; what could go wrong? Reminds me of the Lake Berryessa scene in Zodiac. A beautiful day that can lull you into a false sense of security. Ari Aster manages to top the notorious, elusive bay area killer though with wardrobe. How many sinister, evil people wear white?
Now I’ve been down this road with horror many times before so I’m not a newb, but about half way through the film I actually thought the black guy was gonna make it. I really did. The climax for him came at night when he waited for everyone to fall asleep. From the moment that Josh leaped out of his bed, I was on my feet yelling, RUN! RUN! You know black people, when we watch horror movies, it turns into sports. RUN! JUKE! STIFF ARM! He made it outside (YES!), turned right (NO!), ran into the weirdo temple (Dumbass!) and they got him (What’s new?).
I feel for the boyfriend though. I mean don’t get me wrong. He was an asshole, but let’s review how this all went down. He goes on this trip to Sweden with his buddies that he didn’t even want to bring his girlfriend to. Once there, he gets harassed by a girl who’s attracted to him the whole time. They drug him up with some drink for a ritual to have him sleep with her as a bunch of other women watch and his girlfriend catches sight of it. So how does he get paid for going along with their lunacy? They set fire to him like burgers on the 4th of July. Don’t worry because the woman assured him in a calm voice that he couldn’t talk or move. BUT HE CAN FEEL IT!
Who knew that after all the crying and moaning his girlfriend did all movie long, that all she needed to put a smile on her face was to watch her boyfriend get flame broiled alive. I guess some women like their men well done.
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