clever, unique horror film

Rating: 8/10 (5 December 2019)

This movie was amazing. It's an emotionally surcharaged, disturbing, and yet visually striking film. I've never quite seen a horror movie as such. First and foremost, maybe its important that the viewer gets a heads up on what they will be expecting, without giving any major surprises away. I will let you know, this is INDEED a horror movie, but you're not going to get anything violent right off the bat, so if patience isn't one of your traits, Midsommar may be trouble for you. The film patiently builds itself and its characters, uniting them as one, and with clever camera work and cinematography, we are woven into the lives of such characters and we are emotionally attached to these characters. The film is strategic in all its design. Every scene, every sound, and everything you see. The director knew what he was writing and directing, and he does such a damn good job at it. On the negative side, not everyone will appreciate Midsommar for what it is. What it is, is a surreal, very moving film that captures mystery with, how do I say, an uncomfortable feeling. If at any point, especially in the beginning of the film, if you every get uneasy or that unpleasant feeling....that's wonderful! That's EXACTLY what the film is intended to do. Does it seem to bombard the viewer with visual? That's debatable. While there were times I felt this attribute was abused, on the same token, it cannot be denied that it works for what its intended to do. The film doesn't want to keep you up tonight with nightmares, it just demands to be remembered, and if you're in the right mood, and you can appreciate it for what it is, you will remember. Again. Not a movie for everyone. It's the wrong movie to watch if you're already feeling sad. Although the films latter moments has many, many lighthearted scenes in the sun, filling it with a sense of joy and happiness, it's important to understand that Midsommar is a movie that is not here to cause you to want to hug your neighbor and bake them cookies after your done watching. This is a surreal life horror movie. That's what it is, and from what I've seen, everything here was done correctly, and passes with flying colors. Most of the bad reviews on this film, from what I've seen, is just because they don't understand, or they don't want to understand. Story goes as follows: A tragic suicide rattles a small family, and they decide to make a special vacation trip overseas to "keep them together." The aftermath is unpredictable and unspeakable acts and acts of violence. I've said too much. The film must be seen to be believed. And just try to understand, the film stands in its own catagory. It is unique. I praise A24 films for being a very successful movie industry that doesn't believe that its audience has to settle for less then perfection. Job well done, team!