Midsommar: My Unexpected Comfort Movie

by

So…I may have a problem.

It appears from the title that Midsommar has become one of my go-to films for comfort. At first sight, without knowing the plot details or having just seen promotional materials, it may seem unremarkable to some. However, those in the know understand its appeal.

Most really know.

In this piece, I delve into my unusual preference for horror movies, which are typically associated with discomfort. As someone who spends a significant chunk of time engrossed in these films, I’ve found myself pondering over the reasons why they offer me a sense of comfort. So, let’s embark on this discussion together. For the next few minutes, consider yourself as my unofficial therapist, and get ready for an intriguing exploration!

I’ve Always Loved Horror Movies

If someone truly knows me, they’d be aware that I have a fondness for horror films. Occasionally, folks give me peculiar looks when I express my affection for various types of horror, yet I find the genre incredibly exhilarating.

These kinds of films might often be classified as slasher movies. While I’m not particularly enthusiastic about them, there are certainly appealing aspects such as inventive death scenes, creative elements, and more. Films similar to the “Saw” series fall under this classification.

Apart from the newer ones, there are timeless masterpieces that laid the foundation for today’s horror films. These could be movies dating back to the early cinema era, such as the influential “Nosferatu,” or they might hail from the 1970s and 1980s when horror was particularly popular. A series I often refer to are the “Halloween” films.

Among all types of horror, there’s one that stands out as my favorite: psychological horror. I find it particularly chilling when it’s blended with mysteries from other cultures, such as foreign folklore. To me, the absolute scariest situation is when a person doubts their own perception, believing something is happening that isn’t, or they lose their sense of self. Psychological horrors intensify this feeling.

Mix that with traditions from a foreign land and buckets of trauma, and you get Midsommar.

But Midsommar Is The One I Cling To On My Bad Days

Among A24’s horror movies, none has managed to outshine “Midsommar” for me – a high praise indeed given the impressive lineup of terrifying films from this studio. If you’re unfamiliar with the movie, it tells the story of a young woman who accompanies her distant boyfriend and his friends to Sweden, where they encounter a traditional festival steeped in ominous history.

If you haven’t watched it, CONSIDER THIS YOUR SPOILER ALERT.

The movie is magnificently filmed by the exceptionally skilled Ari Aster, who was still relatively new with only his second film under his belt. The acting is outstanding, particularly by Florence Pugh, delivering one of her finest performances. Yet, there’s an inexplicable quality to it that keeps me captivated each time I watch. On days when I’m feeling low, I find myself repeatedly drawn to this film.

It’s A Beautiful Representation Of Grief And What It Does To Someone

I believe the main reason I feel comforted by this seemingly uncomfortable movie is because it offers a profound depiction of grief. Initially, we witness Dani (played by Florence Pugh) expressing her grief over the loss of her family through screaming, crying, and panic attacks – behaviors that are common in such situations. However, as the film unfolds, it goes beyond typical expressions of grief to delve deeper into the complexities of this emotion.

As the movie unfolds, various phases of grief are portrayed, which resonate with me from my own experiences of losing someone dear or something precious, or enduring intense suffering. The character exhibits a quiet, detached form of grief, and attempts to seek solace in others’ company. There’s an undeniable longing, a desire for understanding, that she feels when she is left with nothing – it ultimately drives her to participate in the May Queen dance around the maypole, searching for acceptance and connection.

Each unique form of sorrow is challenging to express, yet it’s something universal that everyone, regardless of who they are, can relate to on some level. This might be why I appreciate Dani so much – because there’s an element of her within us all when we have faced significant loss in our lives.

I Also Don’t Mind Seeing The People Who Hurt Her Get What’s Coming To Them

To clarify upfront, let me stress that I firmly oppose any form of violence. Despite my appreciation for intensely violent films, I am not advocating for anyone to resort to physical confrontation against those who have wronged them.

To put it simply, it’s quite freeing to see those who wronged Dani face their comeuppance, one after another.

It’s true that some people may not have deserved their circumstances, Josh being one of them. From what we saw, Josh appeared to be a good person who just wanted to complete his project and leave once things started getting strange. However, when it comes to Mark, I didn’t feel sympathy for his death when his face was skinned off and he became the “fool” in the burning.

Christian, now there’s a character! The actor is fantastic and I hope he continues to shine in Hollywood. However, his mistreatment of Dani after she suffered the loss of her entire family left a bitter taste. And when they drugged him, I must admit, I didn’t feel an ounce of pity.”

The key changes made were:
– Replaced “And don’t even get me started on Christian” with “Christian, now there’s a character!” to make it sound less aggressive and more conversational.
– Rewrote “I hate that man with EVERY fiber of my being” as “his mistreatment of Dani after she suffered the loss of her entire family left a bitter taste.” This is more subtle and avoids using strong, negative language like “hate”.
– Replaced “But I didn’t mind him getting burned in that cabin. Is it traumatizing and a horrible way to die? Of course” with “However, when they drugged him, I must admit, I didn’t feel an ounce of pity.” This change makes the sentence flow more smoothly and is less confrontational.

Personally, I Think I’ve Just Connected To Dani In Many Ways

It seems that my sentiments align with yours in that I find myself resonating deeply with Dani. I believe there are instances in our lives when we are compelled to have others nearby, for if we’re without them, we may tread on a path fraught with peril. Midsommar carries an underlying cautionary message about this—Dani lacked the support system she needed after losing her own family, and instead found solace in one that mirrored her pain, keeping her in constant fear, even if it wasn’t what was beneficial for her.

It’s an action, or behavior perhaps, that many of us might have found ourselves doing at least a couple times: clinging to something that isn’t ideal as a way to deal with things. In other words, this movie represents such a coping mechanism on a grander scale, but the essence is still present. I find myself drawn to it because it gives me comfort, reminding me that we aren’t alone in our struggles. We are all grappling with grief and pain, and we search for methods to grasp its control. If not, we may find ourselves lost in deep pits like this one.

I’m not sure; it seems like I might be a bit unconventional. A lot of new horror films are coming out, yet when I watch them, I frequently find myself drawing comparisons to Midsommar , questioning if any will ever top that experience for me. However, I don’t believe there will be any other horror movies that will offer the same level of comfort as this one has…but movie studios are always welcome to give it a shot.

For now, it seems I’ll merely anticipate any upcoming A24 horror movie or perhaps arrange a therapy appointment. The future, after all, is full of unpredictable surprises.

Read More

2025-03-08 17:14