Midsommar Review: An Unsettling & Wonderfully Well-Crafted Horror

Ari Aster has quickly made a name for himself in the genre of horror. His debut feature came in the form of 2018's "Hereditary", which received divisive response from both critics and audiences. Now, the filmmaker returns with another for the genre with "Midsommar". So, how was the film? Let's talk about it.

"Midsommar" follows a young couple, Dani(played by Florence Pugh) and Christian(played by Jack Reynor), who embark, with their group of friends, to Sweden for a midsummer festival. Once they settle in, they quickly realize that not everything looks like the way it seems.

Pugh delivers one of the best performances of the year so far. The viewer will instantly understand and feel for the character and be floored by powerful emotion that she gives throughout the course of the narrative.

Reynor also brings an impressive performance as well. The dynamic between him and Pugh worked wonderfully and the viewer will find themselves siding with one over the other and vice versa throughout.

The editing is the best I've seen all year thus far. It never plays for the purpose of style as it solely plays for the purpose of the story being presented.

The cinematography is breathtaking. The colorful and bright palette heightens the feeling of peace and happiness in this way of life and culture of the festival.

The imagery is extremely graphic and gory. If you are someone who cannot handle certain images, then I recommend not seeing this due to what is shown throughout.

The direction is excellent. The use of the many long takes and still shots made for a more absorbing experience into the world established.

The score is also as equally impressive as its direction as it too absorbs the viewer into the situations happening with certain characters in certain situations.

However, its flaw lies within how it all decides to end.

The ending itself felt too familiar. Its apparent that the premise of the film shares a resemblance to another. However, the ending made that resemblance more obvious and more disappointing in how it decided to wrap itself up.

"Midsommar" is not only the best horror piece of the year but one of the best in general thus far in 2019. It's a highly engaging, extremely well acted and disturbing piece that will keep you wanting more and will leave a lasting impression when it is all over.

"Midsommar" Rating: A