Shocking direction but slow moving.

Rating: 8/10 (10 October 2019)

Midsommar (4 out of 5 stars).
Midsommar is a folk horror film that leaves you feeling disturbed, unsettled, and speechless by the time the film ends. It is one of those cult films about a pagan cult in Sweden were they have rituals that are weird, awkward, and disturbing. The direction of the film is beautifully done by Ari Aster (Hereditary). If you seen Hereditary you may expect some of the same direction techniques. A slow building story, unsettling suspense and disturbing thoughts about what you are seeing. Ari Aster is two for two with his directing. The film delivers with the powerful performances by Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor. The music score delivers.
The plot follows Dani (Florence Pugh) who is struggling with family matters about her estranged sister. While her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) is tired of their relationship and wants out. Christian was planning a trip with his friends to Sweden to visit a commune festival. After a tragedy strikes Dani which Christian feels bad. He brings her along with his friends to this commune were it is like some kind of Pagan Cult.
I can not give much details about the plot without entering spoiler territory. Besides there are some wtf moments and some cringy scenes that makes you feel unsettled. Plus there are some gory and graphic scenes that will make you shocked. The ending does leave you feeling a little speechless about what happens. Which makes you question on some characters motives and actions.
The direction is really well done. The cinematography work is great capturing the beauty of the scenery and the haunting feeling of being isolated in this commune. The music score works well with the cult tone. The set designs with symbols and rituals these people are performing makes you question with their beliefs.
I did not find the film at all scary or horrifying. Just disturbed with some characters fate revealed and the graphic nature of the sacrifice and rituals.
Florence Pugh delivered with her performance. She delivered a lot of emotions with the character. With her feeling wrecked emotionally with her family issue and her boyfriend ignoring her. Jack Reynor was also good as well playing an arrogant kind of guy.
The film is slow moving with its direction. Its two and a half hours long. The story is slow moving which may lose some audience. Definitely, one of those films that you will need patience for.
Overall, Midsommar is a good film. It delivers shock and disturbing unsettling feel. The plot is a scary folk tale of a pagan cult. The performances are great. The script and direction is slow moving but it delivers the unsettling mood.