A couple are invited to participate in a remote Swedish village's
centennial ritualistic festival, which is harboring some sinister secrets. HORROR
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Midsommar (2019)Written and Directed by Ari Aster
Starring Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren, Will Poulter, Ellora Torchia, Archie Madekwe |
I was a big fan of Hereditary. With that film, I thought Ari Aster had proved himself to be one of the next big names in horror. But Midsommar was a disappointment I was not prepared to endure. The trailers were eerie, the concept was brilliant and reminiscent of classic cult thrillers, and I figured Aster's talented eye could do no wrong. It seems I should stop praising first-time directors before their sophomore effort arrives (see my thoughts on Jordan Peele's Us for more info). Midsommar is an art film that contains very little horror, and left me confused and wanting more.
The cast is decent enough, but the characters they play are all one-dimensional. It's like they're ripped right out of Superbad. Stoners doing their doctoral thesis are invited to a remote Swedish village to celebrate the summer solstice, but soon realize this place is weird. And that's about it. They are picked off one by one, but nobody ever fights back or tries to unravel the mystery of this place. The end just sort of happens, and you're left with so many questions. I can't stand horror films that try to tie graphic imagery together with artsy bullshit that exists solely to let the filmmaker feel like Fellini or Godard for an afternoon. I doubt horror fans will enjoy Midsommar, though it may make a surprise splash come award season thanks to its arty approach to the genre. If Ari Aster wants to earn his horror card back, his next project should be shortened by an hour and it should have a goddamn point. |