Embedded Files
Like a Rollercoaster; It Almost Made Me Puke, but I Loved It. Midsommar, a movie directed by Ari Aster, is perhaps the most shocking and absolutely horrifying film I have watched this year. It received an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after being released in July of 2019. I remember that I wanted to watch it when it came out, but I am glad I waited for an abundance of reasons.
The film has an R rating, and for good reason—it is incredibly gorey. I consider myself a pretty big fan of horror movies, but this was the most frightening one I’ve ever seen by far. On a few occasions, I was a bit nauseated by the things that I saw; there are graphic depictions of ritual suicide, sex, blatant murder, and the torture and mutilation of both animals and humans. Throughout, the frightening imagery is framed by sunny days and flowers; it is a brilliant use of juxtaposition, showing how beautiful things are used to cover up the atrocities of the human race.
This film did a wonderful job of showing what cult leaders do to lure people in. I am a true-crime junkie, and cults have always fascinated me. Had I watched this movie when I was younger, there was no way I could have enjoyed this part. I would not have noticed all the gaslighting, each little red flag that popped up whenever the leaders were speaking. The way the cult members mimic the emotions of the outsiders is something to look for as well. It truly shows the tactics of how cults brainwash people into believing every word that leaves their lips.
My favorite part of this movie, however, is not the storyline, but the visuals; it is truly one of the most aesthetically pleasing films I’ve ever seen. The little details in each scene—such as the swirling of the backgrounds, or the way the flowers worn by Florence Pugh’s character pulse in rhythm with the music—are incredible. The acting is amazing as well. Pugh is great as always, and she is joined by Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper. You can truly feel as if you are in the story, which makes it all the more terrifying.
This film messed with me. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and even had to look away from the screen for a moment. It digs a pit in your stomach, because you know something horrible is going to happen, you just don’t know when. While I would certainly not recommend it for a person younger than 16, it is still a brilliant movie. I enjoyed this film, especially the beautiful cinematography.
By Eleanor Black
Photography from IMDB
Roosevelt High School
Published January 19, 2023
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