The Scariest Things: ‘Midsommar’

Courtesy B-Reel Films

Jula Utzschneider, Opinion Editor
December 20, 2021

Hello everyone! This week I watched “Midsommar” (2019), directed by Ari Aster and inspired by Swedish myths, customs and folklore.

This movie follows a couple (Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor) as they travel to Sweden to visit their friend’s rural hometown, famous for its nine-day midsummer festival. However, what begins as a blissful retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and twisted competition at the hands of a pagan cult.

Without further ado, let’s start the review.

Midsommar by Jula Utzschneider

Fright Factor: How scary is the movie?

Rating: 3/10

I truthfully don’t know what I was expecting. Maybe it was because this was labeled as a horror movie, or maybe I’m just missing something, but I definitely think it should have been (at least somewhat) scary. I genuinely don’t think that’s too much to ask for a film of this genre. I’m also not saying that the whole thing should’ve been jump scares or pointless gore scenes, but I expected something (and was given nothing).

 

Plot: Is the storyline/script interesting?

Rating: 8/10

The concept of the storyline is interesting; its creative plot is the main reason I wanted to watch this film. However, the reason I took points off in this category is because of the script. For the most part, it’s well-written, but the beginning scenes were not as well-crafted (and frankly laughable).

 

Quality: How well is it produced? How good is the acting?

Rating: 6/10

With regards to the film’s production, it is all over the place. On one hand, I love the addition of subtle movements and other details to depict the characters’ descent into drug-induced hysteria. On the other hand, many of the elements of the movie seem cheesy. For example, their attempt at closing the film with a creepy smile ended up looking like a forced grin, which did not leave me feeling unsettled at all, despite the director’s intentions.

 

Entertaining: How fun is it to watch?

Rating: 5/10

I found myself getting bored. A lot. I understand having a slow-paced beginning, but this entire film seemed slow-paced. At one point, I found myself looking forward to the end just so I could do something else, which is definitely not ideal.

 

Overall Rating: 6/10

Honestly, I’m happy that I can finally say I’ve watched this movie. However, I would not watch it again—once is enough.

 

Have a frightful Monday everyone, and be sure to come back on Jan. 14 for my review of “Carrie.”