I’m here to judge you based on your opinion of ‘Midsommar’
Few films have been as polarizing as Ari Aster’s Midsommar. It is not the sort of film that anyone has neutral feelings about. Between its unorthodox way of storytelling, ambiguity, and grisly visuals, this film elicits a strong emotional response from its audience. In short, the world can be divided into two categories, those who love Midsommar and those who do not. But what does each of these categories say about an individual- or lack thereof?
Midsommar is trying to indoctrinate you…
One of the standout aspects of the film is the extensive use of bright daylight. This is highly unusual for a horror film, as most use darker lighting or are set during the night to add to the tension and mystery. Midsommar builds fear differently, showing graphically violent scenes in the brightest light of day. This has a uniquely disturbing effect, as we conventionally associate bright light with happiness or even safety. It is this type of juxtaposition that aims to brainwash the audience. This false sense of security from the bright light combined with intensely violent imagery is disorienting.
Embracing the cult
Many who love Midsommar know what this film tries to do and applaud its practical approach to horror. With so many franchises, reboots, and redundant sequels, it’s refreshing to have this approach to the horror genre and a completely unique storyline. Above that, the tactics Ari Aster uses to more or less brainwash the audience make it all the more immersive and interactive. It can also be said that those who enjoy this film and are aware of its indoctrinating tactics are also aware that this is not supposed to have a happy ending.
On a personal note, this is my all-time favorite movie, if you couldn’t already tell. I have watched this movie many times, which is why I am shocked whenever I hear someone say that they thought the film had a happy ending. The people who say this are usually the same people that hate the movie and think, “It’s stupid.” That’s typically the response I get when I ask someone why they didn’t like it. It’s stupid. It’s trying too hard. Too ambiguous. It made me uncomfortable, and I’m not sure why.
My theory here is that the people who don’t enjoy this film are the people that Ari Aster successfully indoctrinated into the Hårga cult, or they were at least effectively brainwashed for the duration of the film. Suppose you’re not aware of this sneaky strategy taking place. In that case, it is understandable that the movie would leave a bad taste in your mouth. People describe the ending scene where Dani is smiling at the burning ritual barn as being a happy ending. This is not meant in the sense that it made them personally happy but that it’s believed that Ari Aster intended for the conclusion to be perceived as happy. This is a misinterpretation, so when the viewer walks away from this film, perceiving the ending in this light, it’s unsurprising that they feel this way. The ending scene being a happy ending doesn’t add up. To enjoy Midsommar, the viewer should understand that Dani’s smile at the end is one of the most horrific parts of the film. She has given up her individuality and is fully indoctrinated into the Hårga cult.
I will push up my hipster glasses and end with this. If you don’t like Midsommar, you probably just didn’t “get it.”
