Midsommar was my favorite horror film of 2019, which is saying a lot because I also loved the Lighthouse, Ready or Not and Saint Maud. That aside, I am also a bit biased because Hereditary (another film by Ari Aster) IS my favorite horror film of all time.
I won't say too much about the plot of this film because I truly believe that you should go in blindly, but this masterpiece shines brightest in three different categories.
1. Cinematography. The angles, shots, visual effects and set pieces in this film are a wonder to behold. Even though the film is naturally disturbing, what you see on the screen enhances the true terror one experiences while viewing to another level.
2. Acting. Florence Pugh delivered an awe-striking performance as Dani. Along with some other notable performances, the characters in the film feel real enough to make you care.
3. Practical effects. Almost no CGI was used to create the village and bring the sense of danger that is so prominent throughout the film. Whether it's the gore (which there is plenty of) or the beautiful clearing that almost two hours of the film spends its time in, the whole setting is nothing short of spectacular.
My only quip that drives me to keep it a 9 rather than a 10 is the off-beat pacing. I watched the director's cut of the film, which doesn't help this, and the three hour run time drags on at parts and disconnects you when you were reeled in.
Other than that, I think that Midsommar is one of the best modern horror films you can watch, and I can't wait to see what Ari Aster has for us in the future!
I won't say too much about the plot of this film because I truly believe that you should go in blindly, but this masterpiece shines brightest in three different categories.
1. Cinematography. The angles, shots, visual effects and set pieces in this film are a wonder to behold. Even though the film is naturally disturbing, what you see on the screen enhances the true terror one experiences while viewing to another level.
2. Acting. Florence Pugh delivered an awe-striking performance as Dani. Along with some other notable performances, the characters in the film feel real enough to make you care.
3. Practical effects. Almost no CGI was used to create the village and bring the sense of danger that is so prominent throughout the film. Whether it's the gore (which there is plenty of) or the beautiful clearing that almost two hours of the film spends its time in, the whole setting is nothing short of spectacular.
My only quip that drives me to keep it a 9 rather than a 10 is the off-beat pacing. I watched the director's cut of the film, which doesn't help this, and the three hour run time drags on at parts and disconnects you when you were reeled in.
Other than that, I think that Midsommar is one of the best modern horror films you can watch, and I can't wait to see what Ari Aster has for us in the future!
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