Grade: A-
Sometimes I think plot summaries are overrated. It is the part of the review that I look forward to writing the least. When I read a movie review, I am more interested in how the film made the critic feel, and how it might potentially make me feel. Writer/director Ari Aster (Hereditary) has a sophomore effort out called Midsommar. It has significant buzz as being the next great horror movie. I knew almost nothing about it before seeing it today, and I’m so glad I went in cold, and I recommend you do, too. So this will be one of the safest, most spoiler-free, plot-free articles you’ll read about Midsommar.
Midsommar is scary, but not in any of the ways you might think. It reminded me of The Village, Picnic at Hanging Rock, and, most recently, Darren Aronofsky’s mother! Yes, if you recall, that title begins with a lower-case m, followed by an exclamation point. It’s one of the things that sets it apart and lets you know that experience will be just a little bit off. In Midsommar, it takes a little while for things to start happening, and for the other shoe to drop, but from the beginning, we get a palpable sense that, as I said, something is just a little bit off. The opening credits are slightly difficult to read, probably on purpose. It’s appropriate, as Midsommar commands some effort on the part of the viewer. Aster makes supremely effective use of sights and sound. The cinematography and beautiful locations are skillfully filmed. I don’t remember seeing falling snow look this transcendent. There are numerous instances of one long continuous take, including some inventive stuff using mirrors. In its final scene, the score ratchets up to an ear-splittingly loud volume, only to be abruptly cut off at the end of the last shot.
I didn’t recognize any actors in this movie, but I was most impressed with the leading actress, Florence Pugh. Her performance is raw, powerful, and courageous. Talk about a performer who isn’t afraid to “go there” – she is a shining example. Now, hear me out: I don’t want you to see the grade and jump to the conclusion that this is a great date night flick, or a fun one. This isn’t an enjoyable movie, but there is such a sense of craft here, and it made me excited to see a filmmaker step out of the box and create brave, new, vibrant, original work. Midsommar is shocking, disturbing, unsettling, and will likely be one of those movies that if you do see it with a date, several minutes might go by after it ends before you even say a word to each other. And it makes me want to research it and look up articles. What does it all mean? Is it an allegory for something? Some socio-political commentary? Isn’t it wonderful when a movie challenges you, and makes you ask these questions?
Grade: A-
Film Reviews by Mark 
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