Midsommar

1

x2OhSevenJul 13, 2019

I hate everyone that rated this movie favorably. I should have listened to the bad reviews. This movie was a pile of steaming poo. Save your money.

19 of 30 users found this helpful1911

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1

ElisammyJul 13, 2019

Trying to be provocative but really just perverted. Left with a headache. Slow

22 of 35 users found this helpful2213

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0

TruthTeller1Jul 13, 2019

THIS IS NOT A Horor Film but more an adaptation of “cult-culture” (There I said it first. Copy-protected lol). There are disturbing images in this film but NO monsters or spooky things. The storyline is a 3 star and the picture quality is a 4THIS IS NOT A Horor Film but more an adaptation of “cult-culture” (There I said it first. Copy-protected lol). There are disturbing images in this film but NO monsters or spooky things. The storyline is a 3 star and the picture quality is a 4 star. However, I give this Film a 1 Star because it wasn’t what I was expecting. AND next time I will do a better job checking reviews before wasting $13 on a ticket and $14.99 on popcorn/soda. I would ask for my money back if I wasn’t embarrassed and already moved on, an hour after leaving early.… Expand

18 of 29 users found this helpful1811

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1

DynamiteCoyotesJul 13, 2019

Midsommar is a movie that tries to claim it's deep while swimming around in a puddle of blood. It is overly graphic for the sake of being so and has so many subplots that eventually end up leading nowhere that you might question the two and aMidsommar is a movie that tries to claim it's deep while swimming around in a puddle of blood. It is overly graphic for the sake of being so and has so many subplots that eventually end up leading nowhere that you might question the two and a half runtime. It has an overwhelming sense of dread throughout but it isn't rewarding. Far too on the nose for any of the foreshadowing to feel paid off and is just in your face about it. The director is so self indulgent in everything he does that watching it I kept wondering when scenes would end. That being said art direction and cinematography were really well done but they couldn't save the movie from this disaster of a script.… Expand

19 of 29 users found this helpful1910

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0

Pcox65Jul 13, 2019

Well definitely two hours of our lives that we will never get back!!! Most bizarre movie we have ever saw in our lives! My husband said that, “I will NEVER EVER EVER get to pick out a movie again!” We literally laughed as we were walkingWell definitely two hours of our lives that we will never get back!!! Most bizarre movie we have ever saw in our lives! My husband said that, “I will NEVER EVER EVER get to pick out a movie again!” We literally laughed as we were walking out, shaking our heads and asking ourselves, “What the hell did we just watch?” Bloody, gory, disturbing.. Don’t waste your time, unless you are truly are disturbed.… Expand

21 of 31 users found this helpful2110

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9

tomcoatesJul 12, 2019

Wonderful, slow, bizarre, creepy, unsettling movie that is also exceptionally funny and asks you to do something absolutely extraordinary - gradually explore the appeal and attraction and value of lunacy and insane ritual.

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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2

lenny68Jul 11, 2019

As someone else commented 'a film school project'. Trash is one thing. Trash masquerading as something profound, even art is something else. Like Aronofsky's dire mother! Midsommar is just style and no real substance whatsoever. Avoid.

18 of 27 users found this helpful189

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5

Truthhappens316Jul 10, 2019

This is without a doubt the weirdest movie I have seen this summer. It starts off making you feel like it's going in a direction, and then totally goes off the rails. I still don't know what I watched. 5 out of 10, because I don't know if itThis is without a doubt the weirdest movie I have seen this summer. It starts off making you feel like it's going in a direction, and then totally goes off the rails. I still don't know what I watched. 5 out of 10, because I don't know if it was good or bad.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

Serenityinaz12Jul 10, 2019

Best horror movie in a decade or more for me. Even better than Hereditary. It's a slow burn but there is no corney supernatural **** or jump scares, just atmosphere and at times disturbing and horrifying on a level rarely seen.

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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4

Rebecca31Jul 10, 2019

If any of you out there would like to experience the sensation of being on drugs without actually taking any drugs well then is Midsommar the movie for you! Thank you Ari Aster for the nightmares, thank you for the distressing images embeddedIf any of you out there would like to experience the sensation of being on drugs without actually taking any drugs well then is Midsommar the movie for you! Thank you Ari Aster for the nightmares, thank you for the distressing images embedded in my brain forever, you’re definitely one of the most unique filmakers out there but I’m honestly frightened of what you’ll make next because I can’t take much more of this. Sorry Ari Aster but between this and Hereditary I feel I’m done with your films, no doubt there is an audience for Midsommar (though I have to question their sanity) but I’m not part of it.

Dani (Florence Pugh), her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) and his friends travel to a remote part of Sweden for the fabled mid-summer festival. What’s that? A rural village out in the middle of nowhere? Why yes that does sound like we’ve got a cult on our hands doesn’t it? And you know what that means, eerie singing, some ritualistic sacrifices and lots of scenic shots of people dancing through the fields with flowers and pretty white garments. Call it whatever genre you want because it certainly doesn’t limit itself to only one. It feels like it wants to be a horror, though the result is not a conventional one but it’s pretty damn horrifying at times. Florence Pugh gave everything to this performance, it’s the one good thing I can take away from Midsommar. Jack Reynor simply shows up to read his lines and Will Poulter is the only damn person reacting the way you would expect someone to react in this scenario. He is a genuine mood in this film and adds some much needed comic relief.

As with Hereditary the first half plays out much stronger than the second. The set up was great but afterwards it starts to lose itself. I didn’t hate it and it’s not Mother! levels of bad but at some point I could tell where it was going and lost interest in the plot completely. I felt it didn’t have the atmosphere of a true horror movie but found a way to use graphic violence to unsettle you. I should also note that the way this film and indeed Hereditary portrays grief is really unlike anything else I’ve witnessed onscreen, largely due to Florence Pugh and Toni Collette. Their performance is so raw it’s almost unbearable to watch. And that pretty much sums up Midsommar in a sentence, almost unbearable to watch. That’s what it’s like to endure an Ari Aster movie, you know you should look away but you just can’t, it will push you to your limits and if you thought you didn’t have a limit then maybe Midsommar will help you find it. That’s not to say I didn’t get anything out of it. I laughed on more than one occasion, now whether I should have been laughing or not is up for debate. Yes one should not purchase a ticket for Midsommar without seriously considering if you’re going to want to see it, I know I could have happily gone the rest of my life without seeing it. Recommended for fans of Hereditary, this film is not for everyone, I repeat if you did not like Hereditary then you probably won’t like Midsommar either so you’ve been warned.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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10

AffableJul 10, 2019

Thought it was a perfect, surreal and tense movie. The movie does a great job of eliciting responses from the viewer - namely anxiety. Could really identify with some of the more psychedelic moments of the film in a way that couldn’t be doneThought it was a perfect, surreal and tense movie. The movie does a great job of eliciting responses from the viewer - namely anxiety. Could really identify with some of the more psychedelic moments of the film in a way that couldn’t be done in other films with similar themes.… Expand

6 of 21 users found this helpful615

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9

Evic21Jul 10, 2019

Even though it may lack the scares you'd expect you typical horror movie, you'll still walk out of the theater feeling unsettled and disturbed. There is truly nothing else like it. The film's eternal sunshine mixed with impending dread andEven though it may lack the scares you'd expect you typical horror movie, you'll still walk out of the theater feeling unsettled and disturbed. There is truly nothing else like it. The film's eternal sunshine mixed with impending dread and unexpected plot devices will hold your interest even if you can't see the movie as a work of art. Many will hate it, but if you give it time, you'll realize that it's an incredible feat of creativity that pushes film into richer and wilder territory.… Expand

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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8

Trineo99Jul 9, 2019

First of all, this film is two-hours and twenty-seven-minutes and for the first hour you don’t really feel the time but towards the end, you could definitely feel it as it starts to drag on. I will admit that all of the scenes in this filmFirst of all, this film is two-hours and twenty-seven-minutes and for the first hour you don’t really feel the time but towards the end, you could definitely feel it as it starts to drag on. I will admit that all of the scenes in this film were necessary for the film but just dragged on far too long. This could be because the director, Ari Aster, wanted to show off the sets but it still doesn’t need to be that long. I will say though that all of the sets were gorgeous, and you could tell the set designers got to have fun with this movie. This film only takes place in one location which without good set design would get boring after a bit but because everything was beautiful to look at, I didn’t mind. Also, the cinematography was outstanding in this film. You can easily see in both of Ari Aster’s films that he really cares about cinematography and how it can help show the story and change the way people feel. I will say there are some cool transition techniques that were used in this film to help change from one location to the next. Now, I’m not going to roast the actors because it’s obvious that they all were giving it their all in this movie but at the same time I just couldn’t get invested into these characters at all. They all pretty much seemed like the exact same character trait just changed slightly a bit. But really throughout the entire film, they just remained that same flat kind of character. In the end, this film may not have been for me but for others, it might be worth checking out. At least watch clips of it to see the stunning scenery and cinematography.… Expand

4 of 18 users found this helpful414

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5

Compi24Jul 9, 2019

"Hereditary" director Ari Aster follows up his 2018 stunner with "Midsommar," another twisted jaunt through the world of paganism and the occult. On a technical level, everything that made "Hereditary" so memorable is retained. The shot"Hereditary" director Ari Aster follows up his 2018 stunner with "Midsommar," another twisted jaunt through the world of paganism and the occult. On a technical level, everything that made "Hereditary" so memorable is retained. The shot composition and camera movements are incredibly well-executed and vibrant. The effects are horrific and indelible. The acting is superb, featuring Florence Pugh's finest work to date. But what separates "Midsommar" from "Hereditary" is something a bit more intangible -- the stories vary too different in terms of efficiency. Even at two hours long, "Hereditary" feels as though no moment is wasted, with every scene building to some sort of reveal or twist. "Midsommar" suffers mightily from an excess number of scenes, elements, and even plot threads and characters that needn't be there, ultimately dragging the pacing down and inflating the running time to at least a half-hour longer than I feel it needed to be. Aster also goes AWOL a few too many times here, which was a trifling blemish in "Hereditary" that's evolved into a full blown blister ailing the entire third act of this movie. Whereas "Hereditary" featured only a couple of scenes/moments that made my audience chuckle or scratch their proverbial heads, "Midsommar" has at least a good handful or so that had my theater rolling in laughter at what I'm not even sure are intentionally comedic beats. I know that comparing a filmmaker's movie to their prior work is a bit unfair, but it's all I have to go off of at present. This could have benefitted from a thorough rewrite, in my opinion, but I still thank God there are studios like A24 to champion the unique visions of filmmakers like the one at hand here.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

Exlee3000Jul 9, 2019

I had to create an account to combat some of the absurd reviews. First off if you thought this movie was long or slow. Then you have the attention span of a caffeinated gerbil and should probably switch to decaf. It was a perfectly pacedI had to create an account to combat some of the absurd reviews. First off if you thought this movie was long or slow. Then you have the attention span of a caffeinated gerbil and should probably switch to decaf. It was a perfectly paced movie imo. You needed all the stuff in the first 3rd of the movie to happen to explain why Dani would be susceptible to the cult's intentions. The movie was intentionally darkly humorous in places and yes you were meant to laugh. To those in the commenters who think they are groovy know it all movie bluffs and that this is just a wicker man RIP off. Ignore them. This movie has plenty of Original ideas. Overall the movie is super well done but gruesome in some parts. Also the soundtrack was perfect. Dont miss this movie!… Expand

5 of 29 users found this helpful524

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0

Jrpk9600Jul 9, 2019

Perfectly summed up by a fellow viewer walking out of the cinema at the same time as me: ”well that’s two and a half hours of my life I’m you’re never going to get back”. I have never been so dissatisfied by a movie that I wasn’t even surePerfectly summed up by a fellow viewer walking out of the cinema at the same time as me: ”well that’s two and a half hours of my life I’m you’re never going to get back”. I have never been so dissatisfied by a movie that I wasn’t even sure what to expect from it. It’s not that it’s poorly acted (mostly) or that it’s poorly directed; because it’s not. The problem with the movie is that, for a film sold on its ability to make the viewer feel creeped out, it never feels creepy it just feels strange... and laughably so. This is by far one of the funniest movies I have ever watched, not because it was trying to be but because I, and a lot of the others in the cinema, were laughing AT the movie. There is no character development, no sensical plot and no need for half of the scenes to even be included or as long as they are. I am baffled by the critical success that this movie has become as it’s just a bad movie. I could remove scenes or characters and it wouldn’t make a difference to the movie. The things the movie did well it didn’t do enough with and there is no resolution or repercussions for the things that happens over the course of the movie. I can imagine people that enjoyed the movie will read this and say “you just didn’t understand” or “it’s trying to be confusing and vague because that’s how the main character is feeling through the movie” but that doesn’t make a good movie. In fact there was nothing to enjoy in this movie, nobody to route for and not enough happening over the 146 minute run time to get really engaged in the film and this is why this is the closest I have ever came to walking out of a movie over an hour in and the only time I have ever written a review of a movie as to warn people to not bother going to see this one.… Expand

19 of 28 users found this helpful199

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7

LamashtarJul 8, 2019

Not scary at all, unless you have a weak stomach. Mostly hilarious. Explicit sex and nudity, graphic gore.

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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9

shpostalJul 8, 2019

Another film by Ari Aster, his second actually that follows on the heels of "Hereditary", one of the most truly creepy movies about quasi-religious practices, and takes us to a very remote Swedish village that annoyingly to me and hence oneAnother film by Ari Aster, his second actually that follows on the heels of "Hereditary", one of the most truly creepy movies about quasi-religious practices, and takes us to a very remote Swedish village that annoyingly to me and hence one star deduction is completely out of the public and law enforcement eye, where the people are free to carry on a very strange Pagan (i.e., not Christian) religious ceremony that turns gruesome and macabre as the film progresses. After losing her family in a terrible suicide/murder, the heroine is taken along on supposedly a vacation/field trip with friends working on ph.d thesis' and one a resident of this weird community. And it doesn't take long to see where this is going. Anybody who has ever read the legendary short story by Shirley Jackson "The Lottery" will immediately relate that horror tale with the premise of "Midsommer". Aster seems genuinely interested in Pagan lore and their various religions and rituals. That in itself is interesting. But inevitable questions of mind control, the ability to resist or escape surface quickly and are not really addressed. Nonetheless, the film allows the story to progress without pesky law enforcement ever wondering about disappearances of some of the "volunteers" the villagers "pick" for the ceremonies for a good harvest and whatever else at a really gruesome climax. But it can be viewed as a cautionary tale. People are infamous for cognitive dissonance capabilities, and here it's especially strong. But it applies to religion as well as politics and other forms of mass mental control of the species as well, as impressionable and naturally frightened and/or gullible seek solace and comfort in artificial constructs, and with the mental block necessary to achieve the effects desired allow themselves to be programmed into perfect participants in a myriad of social activities. "Midsommar" is a very black sometimes even very darkly humored film that will appeal to those who like having their minds played with for a few hours, but could come across as deeply disturbing to others. But it's splendidly acted, the scenery beautiful and a good addition to people who like their horror to be of the mind melting type as opposed to cliched idiotic slasher flicks.… Expand

4 of 20 users found this helpful416

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5

DudeManGuyJul 8, 2019

The first half of the movie builds tension in a satisfying way. It lays down the groundwork for a bunch of surprises... that never come. It all ends up being incredibly straightforward and feels like it takes far too long to get there. WatchThe first half of the movie builds tension in a satisfying way. It lays down the groundwork for a bunch of surprises... that never come. It all ends up being incredibly straightforward and feels like it takes far too long to get there. Watch it when it becomes available to stream.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

PRPonyJul 8, 2019

Best movie I've seen in 20 years. Finally a movie with some originality! Don't miss this one.

6 of 21 users found this helpful615

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4

stezo2kJul 7, 2019

Weird and gory for the sake of being weird and gory. Drags on too long and I didn't care for the characters at all. Strangely predictable as well. It was directed well but that's the only positive I can give it. Very overrated

14 of 19 users found this helpful145

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10

MateulkaJul 7, 2019

Instant classic. I know that this movie will be underrated, it is not your typical movie and definetely not a typical horror. Even if you didn't understood the meaning and brilliance behind this masterpiece, you can't deny that it isInstant classic. I know that this movie will be underrated, it is not your typical movie and definetely not a typical horror. Even if you didn't understood the meaning and brilliance behind this masterpiece, you can't deny that it is absolutely top notch from technical side. Ari Aster outdid himself.… Expand

5 of 20 users found this helpful515

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1

marco34laJul 6, 2019

Folks - look at the USER reviews. It's pretty much a divided crowd -- you will either love this movie or hate it. For me, the movie should have been categorized as "Absurdity, Pretentiousness, Gore" there is very little suspense or thrills.Folks - look at the USER reviews. It's pretty much a divided crowd -- you will either love this movie or hate it. For me, the movie should have been categorized as "Absurdity, Pretentiousness, Gore" there is very little suspense or thrills. Basically it's an overbloated film where the director is in love with himself and every shot and scene. You sit through basically 2 hrs of NOTHINGNESS until things turn to horror and absurdity. Imagine going to a movie that was about a wedding and in the movie EVERY BORING DETAIL was presented i.e., the cake cutting, every dance, every speech, every boring bit of the ritual. THAT'S WHERE the 2 hr 25mins comes from!!!! This is NOT a horror movie until the last 30mins. My advice read the synopsis and then just sneak in and watch the last 30mins of the flick. You missed NOTHING.… Expand

18 of 31 users found this helpful1813

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7

msl555Jul 6, 2019

This movie grew on me as I had time to chew it over. I was probably at a 5 right after. One day later I'm at a seven. Who knows, by tomorrow I might be higher still.

6 of 17 users found this helpful611

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8

ColginatorJul 6, 2019

We're currently entering a new renaissance in horror, one which has largely been brought on by the many great filmmakers bringing their own unique voices to the genre. There's Jordan Peele who infused the genre with his own brand of socialWe're currently entering a new renaissance in horror, one which has largely been brought on by the many great filmmakers bringing their own unique voices to the genre. There's Jordan Peele who infused the genre with his own brand of social commentary in Get Out, Robert Egger's ability to explore the darker sides of human nature in The Witch and Ari Aster using the genre as a pretense to show us a dysfunctional family dynamic in Hereditary. And Aster continues to keep his horror anchored by his characters in his follow up film, Midsommar.

From the start of the film we're instantly thrown into an uncomfortable situation with Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) clearly living in a broken relationship. Dani fears that she has become too emotional and overbearing to him regularly calling him in tears, whilst he is just trying to find a way to easily end the relationship and is becoming more distant to her. But when she experiences a tragedy he decides that he can't leave yet and at the objections of his friends invites her to come with them on their planned trip to a Sweedish village.

When they arrive they're embraced by the locals who are about to begin a special festival celebrating life and rebirth and enjoy the scenery where there's always light which causes the days to blend in to one another. At first it seems pleasant, but very quickly this constant light switches from being beautiful to unsettling, to the point where we feel as if we're being drowned in light. It also becomes very clear that these pagan rituals are far more sinister and dangerous than they originally thought they would be and every person in the village is part of it. It's an environment similar to the Wicker Man, where there's a feeling that the threat is so encompassing that there's no way that anyone would be able to escape even if they realise they're in danger.

Ari Aster's strong attention to detail is on display throughout the film with each shot constantly conveying information to us. Shots early on are filled with so many hints as to what is to come, including a mosaic at the start of the film which seems to subtly outline the entire plot of the film. He also shows us so much through just the body language of the characters, with Christian constantly looking to the door whenever he's in the room with Dani always looking for a time to escape.

But one of my favourite touches was early on in the film during a strange drug trip a character mentions how he can feel the world around him breathing. Then throughout the rest of the film, there are moments where it feels the world around starts to move unnaturally like a lung inhaling oxygen. At times it was so subtle I wasn't sure whether it was really happening or if my eyes were just playing tricks on me.

Considering the constant sense of horror which looms over the entire film, there's also a surprising amount of humour throughout. A lot of this humour is brought in by Will Poulter, who seems to be one of the actors with an ability to improve every film he's in. Though there's also a lot of moments during the festivities where I was unsure whether it was being unintentionally funny with the film walking across that thin line between awkward humour and abject horror.

Though unlike Hereditary, which was well paced throughout with the story and character dynamics constantly evolving, the last third of this film does seem to stagnate. We already know exactly what's going to happen to these characters, but it's still stretched out by another 30 minutes of slowly going through the motions of these slow rituals. But even in the films slower moments it's still carried by Aster's distinct visual style and a fantastic lead performance from Florence Pugh, whose traumatic screams capture the same sense of complete anguish that Toni Collette did in Hereditary.

Oddly enough the film does technically have very positive undertones being a story about coming to terms with loss, understanding the cycle of life and the importance of having a strong emotional support structure. It's just that these lessons are told to us through creepy rituals and horrific acts of violence. It's a strange and unsettling film which definitely won't be for everyone, but if you're a fan of Hereditary and want another film which leaves you with a sense of dread then you should give this film a chance.… Expand

5 of 22 users found this helpful517

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0

ChewilewiJul 6, 2019

Another film bashing traditional european pagan culture and heritage. Also the theme of codependency is so overplayed in modern culture where we are told to be hyper atomised individuals. Never explores the positives of our natural need forAnother film bashing traditional european pagan culture and heritage. Also the theme of codependency is so overplayed in modern culture where we are told to be hyper atomised individuals. Never explores the positives of our natural need for reliance on our loved ones or community.… Expand

24 of 35 users found this helpful2411

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3

gimmedatsammichJul 5, 2019

A horribly tedious and derivative film that falls far short of the director’s first effort. Not one surprise in store here. It is obvious what is going to happen the second they arrive at the commune. There is not one person in this movie whoA horribly tedious and derivative film that falls far short of the director’s first effort. Not one surprise in store here. It is obvious what is going to happen the second they arrive at the commune. There is not one person in this movie who does not come across as either annoying, repugnant, or both. The American college students are universally awful characters, particularly Dani’s hateful dolt of a boyfriend Christian. It is also far too long (2 h. 27 min.) This is simply undercooked torture porn that, unforgivably, puts on the pretense of being something better than torture porn. It is not scary or interesting in the slightest. If you’re in the mood for some good horror revolving around bizarre pagan rituals, just watch the Wicker Man.… Expand

26 of 40 users found this helpful2614

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6

MadMaxFuryRoadJul 5, 2019

Having seen the trailer numerous times, Midsommar was easily my most anticipated movie of the summer. However, I went in with a somewhat neutral feeling given the negativity surrounding the film from audiences. As I saw the film today, I mustHaving seen the trailer numerous times, Midsommar was easily my most anticipated movie of the summer. However, I went in with a somewhat neutral feeling given the negativity surrounding the film from audiences. As I saw the film today, I must say that Midsommar was a pretty big letdown for me. The movie starts off really slow and pretty much never gets faster. Midsommar was predictable from the start, and a lot of the great scenes were spoiled from the trailer and an early script I had read online. Personally, I felt the movie was overhyped, and it wasn’t as disturbing or scary as critics have described. Yet the visuals were stunning as expected, and the movie did have fantastic acting. At nearly 2.5 hours, Midsommar felt really long, but there were enough amazing scenes to keep me entertained. (55/100)… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

judahjsnJul 5, 2019

Masterful. Somehow even more inspired and assured than Hereditary. I know these films aren't for everyone but he's one of the few directors working today that gives me Kubrikian satisfaction.

6 of 24 users found this helpful618

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1

alekyJul 5, 2019

super slow, after everything is said an done you are left feeling cheated out of being scared.

25 of 35 users found this helpful2510

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3

defdog99Jul 5, 2019

Replace ‘swedes in sweden’ with ‘pygmies in the congo’ and this movie goes from “horror movie” to “national geographic”. Really theres nothing scary and if this is just what they do every 90 years so be it. Super boring till the end. IdReplace ‘swedes in sweden’ with ‘pygmies in the congo’ and this movie goes from “horror movie” to “national geographic”. Really theres nothing scary and if this is just what they do every 90 years so be it. Super boring till the end. Id have trimmed the whole mushroom scene for something like a bonding bear hunt.… Expand

20 of 33 users found this helpful2013

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8

CaptainHowdyJul 5, 2019

This movie makes a lot more sense if you look at it from the perspective of writer/director Ari Aster's own description, which is that it is a breakup film. Yes, there are some gruesome parts. Yes, sometimes the characters' decisions don'tThis movie makes a lot more sense if you look at it from the perspective of writer/director Ari Aster's own description, which is that it is a breakup film. Yes, there are some gruesome parts. Yes, sometimes the characters' decisions don't make sense. Yes, the "horror" isn't particularly gripping. Yes, the movie is deeply, deeply strange.

However, if the entire Sweden trip is taken metaphorically as the emotional journey of a woman (in this case, the protagonist Dani) who has just been dumped from a bad relationship, it comes together beautifully. She's in a strange mental place, and she has to let go of the past in order to enjoy the ample sunshine. The film takes her through the steps of grief, confusion, betrayal, commiseration, and ultimately presents her with a choice that will determine whether she is able to reconvene with the world that always existed outside of the one she built with her ex.

From this perspective, it makes sense that ALL of the members of the main group are his friends, not hers. It makes sense that their characters are all drawn a little flat, while she is easily the most complex of the whole group. It makes sense that they make uncanny decisions and choose not to see what is going on. It makes sense that they all stick around instead of hightailing it out of there once things get bad.

Definitely looking forward to a second watch for this one.… Expand

5 of 21 users found this helpful516

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2

ChrisCrossedJul 5, 2019

Ugh, such a film school project. And painfully long. Cinematography is great, but so much detail is ripped off from the original version of The Wicker Man that Ari Aster should get a lawyer. Clueless, soulless young friends making ridiculousUgh, such a film school project. And painfully long. Cinematography is great, but so much detail is ripped off from the original version of The Wicker Man that Ari Aster should get a lawyer. Clueless, soulless young friends making ridiculous choices, zero dramatic tension--yeah, bring a book. Midsommar may fuel a new Oscar category, though--the "Woulda Coulda Shoulda." Really, if you like grownup creepy without being bludgeoned by the filmmaker's unoriginality, go find that TWM 1973 cult classic, which also has a great soundtrack by Paul Giovanni.… Expand

23 of 34 users found this helpful2311

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6

GinaKJul 4, 2019

I found this movie frustrating to watch and VERY long. It is certainly not a horror film, but rather a kind of quasi-religious experiment. The actors did a fine job with what little they had to work with, but the lack of clarity (notI found this movie frustrating to watch and VERY long. It is certainly not a horror film, but rather a kind of quasi-religious experiment. The actors did a fine job with what little they had to work with, but the lack of clarity (not necessarily a bad thing in a movie) was irritating. Ari Aster telegraphed right from the start that things were not going to end well, but the problem was I didn’t really care about the characters and kept trying to guess if I was watching some kind of sociological experiment gone wrong or just a failed film. I kept hoping the film would get better (or shorter). It didn’t. It just ended to everyone’s relief.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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5

brettroseyJul 4, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I mean, at what point in a film are you simply unable to look past the abundance of C- horror movie decisions? It's a beautifully shot film, with an intriguing story line, but the positive elements get completely overshadowed by the fact that red flags are presented to each of the characters early on into the film, and yet they choose to continue on as if everything's cool. And we're supposed to believe that because there's tension within the group? It just doesn't cut it. I mean, seriously -- your friends go missing for 24 hours, following one of the characters witnessing the girl whose fiance left her out of nowhere running and screaming for her life. While some random dude interjects and is just like, "If I may, there was a misunderstanding and I drove her to the station myself." And then Christian is missing his friends, sees his girlfriend hoisted up like a God, is all alone and is like, "Screw it, I'm so vulnerable right now I might as well drink this random concoction and trip my balls off while this freaky redhead tries to take advantage of me." And Dani is so drugged up at the end that she concludes Christian's actions of cheating on her, clearly performed under complete duress, warrant his execution by immolation? Yeah, I get it, she was the perfect candidate with the loss of her family. But shock value with Ari Aster can only get you so far. I saw it with Hereditary's limitations, and it was front and center again in Midsommar. Slow paced scenes of brutal depictions of death isn't always artsy, sometimes it just looks as an attempt to make up for a more profound effort at creating an unsettling vibe. Anyway, Aster clearly watched The Witch right before getting to work on this one, because you could have seen this plot play out from a mile away. I'm hopeful that he doesn't keep recycling old material involving vivid scenes of brutality and people staring for inordinate amounts of time in shock.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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3

Brent_MarchantJul 4, 2019

Although beautifully filmed and chock full of surprisingly grabbing humor, this meandering, overlong, frequently predictable smart horror offering tries the viewer's patience early on in the first act, relentlessly carrying through to theAlthough beautifully filmed and chock full of surprisingly grabbing humor, this meandering, overlong, frequently predictable smart horror offering tries the viewer's patience early on in the first act, relentlessly carrying through to the end. While presented as a story about psychological health and well-being painted on the canvas of an allegedly suspenseful thriller, the picture comes up woefully short in the fright department (even though it tries to compensate for that with ample gratuitous gore), largely because, at a 2:20 runtime, it takes far too long to reach its final destination (which is easily visible from miles away). Florence Pugh's often-overwrought performance in this "Wicker Man" knock-off becomes tiresome, almost laughable, as the story wears on...and on...and on as it inches toward its wholly unfulfilling conclusion. Save your money.… Expand

23 of 34 users found this helpful2311

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8

MarcDoyleJul 4, 2019

No, you won't want to see this film 3 or 4 times like a "horror" classic, but you go to the movies hoping for something unique and different - something that will challenge and surprise you - maybe disgust you. And this film delivers on allNo, you won't want to see this film 3 or 4 times like a "horror" classic, but you go to the movies hoping for something unique and different - something that will challenge and surprise you - maybe disgust you. And this film delivers on all of those fronts. It's meticulously and creatively shot, and the supporting cast feels so authentic. It feels like we've graduated from those Hostel flicks 10 years ago - torture pics - to these creepy cult flicks which feel more accomplished and mature. Absolutely worth seeing.… Expand

5 of 20 users found this helpful515

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10

loadingrandeJul 4, 2019

saw it 2 times and i can now say - perfectly written, perfectly acted, perfectly directed, perfect cinematography. it's an instant classic, my favorite movie of the year, probably my favorite since Call Me By Your Name - and i've though a lotsaw it 2 times and i can now say - perfectly written, perfectly acted, perfectly directed, perfect cinematography. it's an instant classic, my favorite movie of the year, probably my favorite since Call Me By Your Name - and i've though a lot about this and i've decided that thos one is my new favorite horror film. has aot of details so i recommend watching it more than once. but it's really perfect… Expand

23 of 68 users found this helpful2345

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7

moviemitch96Jul 4, 2019

Last summer, a little-known director by the name of Ari Aster came out of nowhere with a horror film called 'Hereditary', and in the eyes of many audiences and critics alike, he greatly revitalized the horror genre with it's effective slowLast summer, a little-known director by the name of Ari Aster came out of nowhere with a horror film called 'Hereditary', and in the eyes of many audiences and critics alike, he greatly revitalized the horror genre with it's effective slow burn and dark, ominous atmosphere. And believe it or not, while I initially panned that film upon its release, it wasn't until a couple of repeat viewings at home that I finally started to acknowledge its clever scares and genuine creepiness that I failed to recognize in it at the theater (I had the misfortune of an obnoxious audience that ruined any potential tension or scares for me, so that was likely the reason.) So I was very much looking forward to this next effort from him, which follows a young couple in the aftermath of a tragedy that makes their already rocky relationship all the more tense. Soon after, they find themselves traveling with some college friends to a summer festival in Sweden held only once every 90 years. However, upon arriving there, they start slowly but surely realizing that the people and festivities there are anything but innocent, and that they're among an evil and ritualistic cult. Wow... where do I even begin with this one? Well, I suppose I could begin by straight up saying that this film is Bizarre, with a capital B! It contains scenes and imagery that I won't soon forget, for better or worse. Furthermore, the film is quite interesting and full of unique, albeit shocking moments and ideas, and was enough to make even me cringe and squirm at times. However, like 'Hereditary', the film does burn a bit slow at two and a half hours and takes its time in terms of pacing and setup, leading me to believe that the film would deliver a bit of a bigger punch or impact by the end, but the way it went instead left me feeling slightly underwhelmed. The story also felt scattershot and random at times. However, when looked at a little deeper, it's interesting to see what it has to say about relationships, breakups, etc. and how it conveys those things. Overall, it's pretty graphic and memorable in some unique ways, but the story's a bit muddled while trying to juggle being gruesome/violent and having a fully focused story at the same time (that also has slightly mixed results in preaching the undertones of relationships and breakups.)… Expand

7 of 19 users found this helpful712

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9

FelicityFenwickJul 4, 2019

If you're into films that make you think - stuff like Upstream Color, Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me, The Cook, The Thief, etc. - you'll be into this. It's a pretty amazing clash of cultures, and Frances Pugh is amazing in the lead role. AriIf you're into films that make you think - stuff like Upstream Color, Twin Peaks Fire Walk with Me, The Cook, The Thief, etc. - you'll be into this. It's a pretty amazing clash of cultures, and Frances Pugh is amazing in the lead role. Ari Aster is one messed up individual, but I do enjoy seeing his movies! But holy moly is this sucker bloody.… Expand

8 of 29 users found this helpful821

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0

Daniel_EndureJul 3, 2019

Midsommar is absolutely nauseating from the start of act two onward. There's no reason to care for anyone in the film, nor does it go anywhere interesting. It's eerie, loud, stagnant, and dare I say, a complete misfire on behalf of myMidsommar is absolutely nauseating from the start of act two onward. There's no reason to care for anyone in the film, nor does it go anywhere interesting. It's eerie, loud, stagnant, and dare I say, a complete misfire on behalf of my favorite company in the film business - A24. The scariest part of this film is that there's those who are crazy enough to recommend it to others... Standards out of whack, I suppose...… Expand

27 of 39 users found this helpful2712

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8

LamontRaymondJul 3, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They should have added more items to the Rated-R warnings: “Massive Head Wounds, Dead Skin Mask, Forcible Bear Suit, Unconventinal Suicide (or murder) Machines.” I tend to agree with Mick LaSalle at the Chronicle – it’s really brilliant stuff, with incredibly beautiful shots, but it’s got some of the most twisted content I think I’ve ever seen. This is one of those films that if you happen to see before you’re a teenager, you’ll probably be screwed up for years. I mean, gore is one thing, but repeatedly showing you close-up gore without any notice – so you can’t avoid it – is a little cruel. All that being said, this Ari Astor sure loves his cult movies. And he ties them into the banalities of western civilization in really creative ways. Wow, that was a whopper. My open question is whether the Swedish guy who was responsible for “recruiting” the outsiders for the festival actually killed the main characters family, or whether he was simply opportunistic in reacting to the deaths. Maybe we’ll never know!… Expand

9 of 22 users found this helpful913

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8

every1acriticJul 3, 2019

The opening sequencing of this film is especially disturbing... The cinematography is top notch, and the set design alone makes this movie worth the price of admission. The humor found in the more absurd moments was much needed. I'mThe opening sequencing of this film is especially disturbing... The cinematography is top notch, and the set design alone makes this movie worth the price of admission. The humor found in the more absurd moments was much needed. I'm personally glad these types of movies are being made, and I hope it finds enough of an appreciative audience that we get more of these types of films from A24. I certainly get why some people wouldn't care for this (although I can't see the justification of scoring this a zero), but if you read up on the traditions that some of the themes were based off then I feel like you can find an appreciation on some level. To be honest, for me I kind of want to go see this thing again because I haven't stopped thinking about it all day today.… Expand

8 of 23 users found this helpful815

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0

twall3Jul 3, 2019

What is WRONG with these filmmakers? Seriously. Something is wrong with them. Why pay $ to observe their twistedness?

24 of 39 users found this helpful2415

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10

Djape1992Jul 3, 2019

Go and see this movie, Something You will never see again !!! Fantastic Master-piece !!!

9 of 27 users found this helpful918

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10

AryamanJul 3, 2019

A big improvement over Hereditary! I would say that this movie does an excellent job of leaving you with something to think about in retrospect. I was surprised at how good the movie was and I really liked the artistry of it all.

8 of 26 users found this helpful818

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0

thenukeofnukesJul 3, 2019

This film was absolutely gross and disturbing. It is just a more gruesome version of The Wicker Man.

25 of 39 users found this helpful2514

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Midsommar

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