midsommar

Midsommar is a 2019 American psychological horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. It stars Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, and Vilhelm Blomgren. The story follows Dani, who, still grieving a family tragedy, travels with her boyfriend and his friends to a rural Swedish commune that is hosting a rare midsummer festival. What begins as an inviting, sunlit retreat gradually reveals a set of ancient, pagan rites that grow increasingly disturbing.

The film blends folk horror with a bright, daylight-driven aesthetic, using pastel colors, wide-open landscapes, and symmetrical compositions to create unease. The sense of danger intensifies as the seemingly benevolent traditions of the community reveal a willingness to sacrifice individuals as part of its rituals. The production took place largely in Hungary in 2018, with design focus on constructing a believable, isolated communal world.

Midsommar premiered at the South by Southwest festival in March 2019 and was released in the United States in July 2019 by A24. It received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Pugh’s, its atmosphere, and its craft, while some critics noted a lengthy runtime and pacing issues. The film grossed a substantial amount relative to its modest budget and is frequently cited as a notable entry in the folk horror subgenre, contributing to ongoing discussions about grief, communal tradition, and cultural clash in contemporary cinema.