How Midsommar Brainwashes You

[@angelinageorgy725]

i cant believe i just spent almost half an hour watching a video about how a movie i haven't watched brainwashed me

[@vvenomous6240]

LMAO U TOO

[@luisa1563]

kajdwjd omg me too!

[@angelinagarcia131]

Me too me too

[@YourMajesty143]

We're all in a cult, guys. The cult of youtube lol

[@Thekillerhillz]

Same

[@ot7biasedmashups]

"Why do we smile at the end of Midsommar" Y'ALL WAS SMILING?!

[@sakareeh]

Right wtf? My friends and I watched it together we were disgusted

[@ashantal5172]

I was. 😘

[@nadg866]

that's what I am asking everytime I hear this question

[@mhd1442]

I was because the music manipulated me to feel that way

[@lockhart_9593]

Ikr? I was disgusted 😌

[@ObamaMpreg]

Saying the ending is happy because Dani smiles is like saying the end of 1984 is happy because Winston thinks he’s been cured

[@artificialfreedom]

Yeah, the premise of the video is kinda bad, I doubt the brainwashy effect is actually holding true

[@psuedomyspace]

Ari Aster did say that Dani's catharsis was supposed to feel wrong, that's what I always think of whenever I see someone say that Dani was happy at the end of the movie

[@psuedomyspace]

@@artificialfreedom Considering the amount of people who genuinely believe that Dani was happy and her loneliness and depression was fixed at the end? I'm gonna say it does hold true.

[@bruh......2005]

It's also like saying the point of fight club is to start your own fight club

[@jessc5112]

very cathartic but not at all happy

[@psuedomyspace]

The fact that so many people see this movie as a Girlboss Yass Queen kind of story instead of the horror it actually is tells me those people would be more susceptible to real world cults than others

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

Bang on.

[@havenprice]

Im so shocked people can think that way, especially knowing its a horror flick. They should already hve their guard up. Imagine if it wasnt known as a horror show. How would that colour thinking?

[@EdytaBruckmann]

Anybody celebrating the end needs professional help.

[@kruklown20]

Agreed

[@Labyrinth1010]

BOOM.

[@ericafleming5197]

The scariest part of Midsommar is how many people thought that was a happy ending.

[@daltonbedore8396]

TRUE. damn some people need professional help

[@lol-vo2yc]

I think those people are just the ones who aren't able to formulate their own opinions. So, just because someone smiles, suddenly everything is okay again? Of course not. Those people are probably who think that once we hit midnight on January 1, 2021, the world is suddenly going to be better again because of a tweet they read. Its unfortunate how stupid people can be that they mimic emotions for some sort of intellectual validity. They tell themselves, "ah yes, I understand and I agree," whether the situation is ethical or not. In reality, they lack/are too insecure to think of the bigger picture. Tldr; those are probably the people who don't think enough.

[@yanchily]

exactlyy

[@billyalarie929]

@@westonlittle1149 we aren't doing this. I'll just say we were NEVER EVER going to get a viable candidate. Even when Biden dies and Kamala is president, it's still the better side of a shit sandwich.

[@lau.tizzir]

But it makes sense when you think about it... The film seems to be built with that intention. Dani starts in a really bad situation and ends in a very different but just as bad situation. From one extreme to the other: From darkness, alone, in an isolated and cold society to a light blindness, surrounded by people who manipulate her with the promise of belonging, a cult disguised as family. It's pretty clever, the viewers are being manipulated at the same time as Dani. They are supposed to be attuned to the feelings and needs Dani has, so when she begins to get what she lacked and wanted at the beginning of the film with this group of people, it's easy to ignore all the red flags. So I think it's quite normal that a lot of people ended the movie with this idea of a happy ending, but at the same time with an unease feeling... It is only when you distance yourself from it, when you realize that you have been manipulated too. In the same way that many victims of cults need to get away in order to see everything with another perspective and realize then what was really going on.

[@JacF6734]

“The devil doesn’t come to you with horns and a spiked tail... it comes as everything you ever wanted.”

[@axemaster6730]

That's a very good quote. Where's it from?

[@emily7195]

Sadly so true :(

[@_lucas.antunes_]

@@axemaster6730 technically, the Bible.

[@abbacab77]

So...it's Santa Claus.

[@WreckageHunter]

That's exactly what a cult leader would say ;)

[@ihatethisurlshit]

pelle saying that he lost his parents in a fire is one of the most haunting parts imo. it shows a hellish cycle of murder and isolation and we just watched it perpetuate itself

[@VaegerSchrogel]

The information given in the film suggests that the sacrificial cremation happens every 90 years, so his parents probably did not die in that ritual, Pelle is too young.

[@landofthesilverpath5823]

​@@VaegerSchrogelit most likely was an accidental fire they died in.

[@SwitcherooU]

Not sure I believe it, but people have made a strong case that Pelle had something to do with the death of Dani’s family. Like I said, I don’t really buy it, but Ari Aster certainly doesn’t close the book on it, and likewise, we’re left to wonder if the death of Pelle’s family is also the work of the cult in the same way. If the Harga are willing to do all…THIS…then who’s to say that they aren’t just as capable of orchestrating murder in the real world?

[@landofthesilverpath5823]

@SwitcherooU I think that would take some of the power out of the story if Pelle killed her family or if Pelles family qas killed by the cult. If Pelle's family were killed by the cult, then Pelle wouldn't be sad about it or have presented it as a tragedy I think. And making Pelle the killer of her family, that's just a little too contrived

[@joe-joe0]

idk if I'm right but Ari Aster himself denied this theory about Pelle

[@ellieb.1231]

I was raised in a cult. Nothing has been more horrifying to me than watching how many people thought this wasn't a horror film at all. I haven't watched it because I know it will be triggering AF, and I remember how it felt in that beautiful indoctrination stage, where it seemed like finally there was a place I might be safe, or belong. People often say things like that cults prey on the weak or vulnerable, but I think insufficient attention is paid to why so many people are vulnerable in the first place. People like the Harga can succeed, because "normal" culture leaves so many out in the cold without support to begin with.

[@user-ot3tu1yb2j]

I had a lot of religious trauma growing up, but I’ve since worked through a lot of it and see the wide variance of human belief as something interesting and terrifying simultaneously. Watching this film elicited emotions from me that I have a hard time constructing even right now. I was in awe of the movie because of the stunning visuals and interesting plot line, so even when I was incredibly uncomfortable with everything going on, I kept watching the film. I didn’t even really want to know what happened next, especially with all the gore. I wasn’t sucked in per se, but I have no idea why I continued watching. This was by far the most horrific film I’ve ever seen because I see its effects everywhere in the modern day. And the worst part? These sorts of cults and beliefs will never go away. Belief and ritual have existed since the dawn of time, and the modern day will not make them disappear. Rational thought is not necessarily the antithesis of these type of cult like rituals; empirical science and religious thought are able to coexist in the same mind without much interference. After all, religion and belief fills the gaps that science has not yet expanded to. Religion and belief’s ability to morph to fill all the gaps in human understanding is what gives it its power. Religion cannot be disproven, at least with science; it’s a never-ending cat and mouse game. And I think this is why there’s always such a battle between belief systems and rational thought; both allow the individual or groups to enact control over their lives to survive: religious groups with their beliefs and practices to please their god or supernatural entity and rational thought allows for the individual to recognize the danger of groups when they act with one mind. A group of people thinking the same can over power an individual thinking differently instantly, especially if you are assimilated with that group and cut off from the world. Both perspectives-religious and rational-offer pros and cons to different minds of different people; and thus they will always be in conflict. When I was growing up, I never understood why those around me didn’t see things the way I did. “Why do we have to do this? Why do we do it this way?” “Why can’t I do this?” “How do we know this is true?” When others don’t understand you, *they don’t understand *you,* and that realization elicits fear. You are alone. You are othered. And if you say the wrong thing, they’ll find out, and no one will support you because everyone else is everyone you know, and they all believe the same thing. Of course, I’ve grown out of that latter mindset, but at 12 years old, that realization is what gave me a lot of religious issues that I had to work through, especially considering my own mother is still deeply religious.

[@hollandscottthomas]

There's a common saying that people who think they aren't susceptible to brainwashing are especially vulnerable to it.

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

God bless you!

[@InevitableUniverse]

​@@user-ot3tu1yb2j I have a lot of religious trauma as well, and even though we probably come from different religions, you could easily be talking about the one I came from. This comment is so articulate, if you ever decided to write a blog post or an article about this, I bet it would reach and validate a lot of people.

[@powerball200]

Lol you people are hilarious. You think religion is a cult?

[@mickefy682]

“Fatigue becomes surrender” sums up why people stay in abusive relationships.

[@andrewcruz1931]

Or any relationship really .

[@heathercarr89]

Big facts

[@jaredharvey770]

know it all too well

[@tokyocrystal]

Whew, a gospel 😔💔

[@WobblesandBean]

Yup. You hit the nail on the head.

[@ranadaghesh3816]

"why do we smile at the end of midsommer" WHO'S WE?

[@druidriley3163]

Right. LOL. FIrst thing I thought of. "Who's 'we', kemosabe?"

[@jamesstetson6581]

I did

[@chichikent]

🤣ikr. I was disturbed and confused

[@rarebreednoel]

Ikrrr

[@themudgekin1294]

Rana Daghesh FOR REAL. How did everyone else not see that smile as just her completely effing losing her mind? That smile is the last shock of horror - she didnt find a family. She lost the last remnants of sanity and identity. It erases any and all hope for her.

[@MephitPrime]

I love your insight. May I add my own? I noticed the meals served were mostly vegetarian, until people started dying. The glee with which one of the female Harga says "meat tart" was too horrific to ignore. I was terrified and loved it.

[@shroooti]

😮

[@victoriasmith7817]

Omg I didn't notice that 😳

[@Barakon]

I thought they had both human & non human flesh, cuz there’s a chicken drumstick on that table.

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

When I heard "meat tart" I was 100% sure it was made out of Connie and Simon.

[@Kiefkim]

Didn’t someone pull a hair out of their food

[@alexandrahill9176]

I watched this movie for the 3rd time with my roommate from college. She was a psych major so I looked forward to see if she could pick up on anything I most likely would have missed. She noted that when Pelle was speaking to Dani in his apartment about the trip, he never blinked, his face was blank, and his eyes didn't match his voice when he was expressing his excitement about the possibility of her going. She told me that was a sign that he was not to be trusted, and it flew right over my head. After she mentioned that and I watched it again with someone else, it was glaringly obvious.

[@citizencj3389]

Im not a psych major but thay was definitely unsettling to me. He seemed like he was out of it..

[@jasonninja55]

Okay in the context of a horror movie I totally understand that but if this were any other context that could just be a neurodivergent person 😂😂😂

[@unkelbin5739]

Great point, but to be fair to the characters, he was in the midst of a trip.

[@johntonssen7231]

As just someone with a human brain, yeah no 💩 lmao so obvious

[@citiestoash]

Doesn’t take a psych major to realize that lol

[@meganlewis4532]

To me, the smile symbolises that the brainwashing is complete and she is now one of them. Film ends

[@sergiosepulvedajaramillo3121]

Now that I remember, it is quite similar to the ending of George Orwell's "1984".

[@jessicaade2629]

Sergio Sepúlveda Jaramillo excellent observation!

[@phoebe2562]

@@sergiosepulvedajaramillo3121 Wow I would have never made that connection but that is so true, of course midsommar isnt even comparable to 1984 though ahahahah

[@livelaughlove26230]

Yep. I thought to myself I guess atleast now she won’t have to remember all of her trauma but now I’m realizing that this movie totally manipulated me into thinking that because honestly it’s better to remember trauma than be manipulated by a cult... so sad... honestly a lot of people say they felt disgust when it ended I felt kind of empty and sad knowing that everyone just died all for a cult...

[@rickytikitavi4101]

@@sergiosepulvedajaramillo3121 That was my first thought when I saw the film. When I was 18 I read 1984 and it traumatized me completely. My parents escaped the USSR so I kept expecting Winston to do the same, but instead I got a total mindfuck that made me question everything I know. When Dani smiled after betraying her boyfriend, it was an unsettling but very familiar feeling, and my first thought was "Oh! she's Winston!"

[@tahamohammad1741]

What disturbed me most is how Pelle was so sweet and welcoming yet he orchestrated the whole thing and knew exactly what would happen to everyone this just comes to show that “the devil doesn’t come dressed in red and with horns he comes as everything you ever wanted”

[@Makberries]

Yes!! I kept thinking about this the entire time I was like “but he knows that xyz happened between Dani and Christian or like he knows that abc will happen why doesn’t he do anything?” Then it hit like a ton of bricks.

[@lifeiscreepingdeath]

I clocked him from the get go. Litteraly the first time he spoke to Danny I knew he was bad news.

[@defensiveninja3419]

bruh i realized that when Pelle didn't explain or even warned his friends that the two elders will jump off the cliff. Any normal human being would warn if they know that you will find it weird what you or your family do normally. He apologizes to them but never do anything and just watch them go die one by one.

[@AZ-jd5cr]

He is sweet and welcoming because he doesn’t believe what is about to happen is actually bad. He believes in their traditions and does not see them as wrong. So he does not feel bad having them participate in their traditions. He actually believes he is pure with his motivations.

[@kiayathegoat8424]

aye i peeped ur XO

[@username.not.known2473]

I was most struck by how childlike Dani becomes, visually, during the film. As the May Queen, she is in a white dress which is tailored to make her look smaller, her shoes are like kids' shoes, her rounded arms held out to balance the way little kids do, unselfconsciously.

[@taylorlondon1683]

Maybe they did that to show the audience how the cult perceives her, children are the easiest creature in the world to manipulate and persuade just like Dani and her vulnerability despite her being an adult

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

I noticed how childlike she was too, especially at the end. She just looked so much like a young girl. Like easy prey.

[@krkngd-wn6xj]

I don't know if this is an actual psychological thing, but I unfortunately had to see something similar in real life. People who lose their parents very tragically do sometimes sort of "become children" again, I'm guessing as a way to hold onto their parent's memories. When my grandmother died, my mother was like that for a month.

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

@@krkngd-wn6xj I heard there was something people with PTSD do where they start acting like a kid to help cope with their trauma. Maybe it's something similar to this.

[@nerdbites2212]

@@kaazimsheikh9034it’s called age regression

[@jvs4218]

Pelle's voice and demeanor when telling her he understands bc he lost parents also is so calm and relaxing, one of the reasons his manipulation and salesmanship works so well is that calm voice and attitude

[@NeekkeKayla]

And then realizing that the fire he lost his "parents" in was probably in that yellow pyramid..

[@JayneAFK]

He was gaslighting her.

[@MsGrinny]

He's far too charming. It's all an act. Reminds me of people who have some hidden agenda - they'll do anything to suck you in.

[@lxlpsycho]

Realest part of this movie is when one of the volunteers to be burnt alive is offered a herb that would numb the pain. However, as soon as he catches on fire he starts screaming in agonizing pain. In that split moment, the terrified realization sets in that everything he's ever believe in is a lie.

[@lolasmith6717]

SlicRicFlair WOOO that scene was so haunting

[@jessicaroopa]

absolutely agree

[@wisteria1352]

And the other guy ate so that he would “feel no fear” but when we see them looking at each other and the one catches on fire, you know he was panicked

[@thegoblinspeaks]

or he's just screaming bc he doesn't really want to die but it's too late....because at that point your nerve endings fry. of course no plant is going to numb the pain lolwat

[@thegoblinspeaks]

@@wisteria1352 for magick to work you have to meet it halfway...clearly they didn't.

[@raccoonavi]

there's no scarier trap than one that you never want to leave

[@chaz4110]

Oh hey you’re the guy from Instagram

[@melodys9188]

thinking of Mabel from Gravity Falls -w-

[@rumory]

thank you for that insightful quote mr raccoon

[@idkwasisupposedtoputaclevernam]

@Melody S bro same. I remember bill saying how Mable's bubble was his most diabolical trap. I final understand why it is so evil.

[@krumplickapipinkova2388]

yeah. mabel's bubble taught me that

[@Kat_loves_you]

I can’t get an ending scene out of my head showing the two volunteers from the cult being told they wouldn’t feel pain or fear and gives them a drug to ensure it, and then one turns to the other to see him start to scream in pain as he catches fire. I’m so sad, they were so mislead and betrayed.

[@Solitude1990]

Throughout the film, I never felt like Dani was being empowered. I felt like she was being manipulated and broken down into nothing so she’s easier to remold. While most saw Christian as the villain, I saw Pelle as the villain. Pelle’s target was Dani, she didn’t just happen to be an extra nice bonus like some seem to think. Everything points to Pelle orchestrating this entire thing and nothing any of them did would’ve mattered, they would’ve all died regardless of showing disrespect or not. Dani unfortunately survived because she was the vulnerable target all along, the easiest woman Pelle could find in her “midsommar” to manipulate and break.

[@kjr4946]

While Pelle is obviously manipulating her, he took advantage of the relationship issues caused by Christian. They're both villians

[@dobyk5338]

@@kjr4946 I mean, Christian is not a nice guy but he is certainly not a villain

[@user-ot3tu1yb2j]

@@dobyk5338Throughout the entire film, Christian simply seemed like a man who didn’t know what he wanted, and that left him wishy washy and uncommitted. He didn’t know who he was, and I think that’s why Pelle chose him to go to Sweden. Christian didn’t know why he was still in a relationship with Dani. He complained about her, but sometimes attempted to comfort her, albeit with minimal effort. At the camp, he decided he wanted to do his thesis on the Harga because that was simply what was presented to him. Up until that point, he didn’t know what he wanted to do for his thesis, and swept the idea under the rug anytime anyone asked. We are introduced to him without knowing any of his hobbies, his past, where he went to college, just exactly what he’s interested in with anthropology, why he chose anthropology, if he’s even interested in it, none of that. But because of the actor who played Christian, you get to see a glimpse of a human under such 2D writing. Usually a character like him would be boring, but since he is purposefully written to be not be fully aware that he doesn’t know who he is makes him *interesting.* Because Christian doesn’t know who he is or what he wants, he doesn’t really stand up for himself in any situation he’s put in, not with his friends, not with Dani, not at the village. I found myself drawn to Christian in the film because all I wanted to ask him was the question “what is it that you want? You don’t really know, do you?”

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

Christian could've survived if Dani didn't choose him to die. Though he would've been paralyzed for the rest of his life and would've been stuck in the cult as well which when paired together is probably a fate worse than death.

[@krkngd-wn6xj]

@@dobyk5338 The thing that pushes Dani over the edge into killing Christian, is literally 0 fault of his. I don't think Dani would have hurt or killed him just for what he did on his own, even if it was bad. It's no wonder he can't pull her out of her depression, what she has experienced is so horrific, even a trained mental health professional would need years to even begin to heal those wounds. But then the cult arranges for Christian to be drugged and raped, and that is what pushed Dani over the edge, and makes her ultimately kill him. Christian in the movie, tho he wasn't a great person, did not die because of any of his personal failings, and that is somehow even more scary.

[@lindenpeters2601]

People who think the end is a triumph for Dani, don't see that she is just as much a victim of the cult. She doesn't win in the end. The cult wins. That is what's actually horrifying.

[@jackseifer7724]

I was hoping the whole time that she would escape and leave christian behind!!! Haha

[@MzShonuff123]

@@jackseifer7724 same! I wanted her to run out with the British couple

[@vipr1142]

I love participating in Midsommar afton :)

[@brunettewithglasses]

Fr I always wondered what would happen after she was done being may queen

[@vipr1142]

@@brunettewithglasses She would be the with the family as a new member, until the day of ättestupa

[@sarahe8459]

I was so shocked when I found out that some people thought the ending was happy or satisfying. The ending upset me so much because I realized all hope of her escaping was lost

[@gelatinouse.beanmire7052]

Yeah i know right? I saw some KZbin videos where they didn't like it because it was female empowering and that says a lot more on your views than the movie itself.

[@peachykenn1492]

Same, it overwhelmed me to the point where I started crying and breathing heavily. I still can't believe people smiled with her.

[@Papabandana]

For me, I was hyperventilating and laughing hysterically. I was honestly so fucking shocked

[@DannyHFrey]

i felt so sick to my stomach bc i really did feel why she was smiling

[@HisameArtwork]

this film looks mind-numbingly boring and stupid. but Acolytes of Horror makes it seem interesting so maybe I'll watch it. reminds me of russian films though and I never cared for them.

[@LPCLASSICAL]

That scream from the man who realised he was about to burn to death was spine chilling.

[@3mi3mi]

He volunteered himself though, I think he was screaming in pain from being on fire

[@therainman7777]

@@3mi3miI guess the yew tree wasn’t doing it for him

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

I was also surprised to see that he still felt pain, and that the other man still felt fear. I just hope their deaths weren't too painful.

[@Crystal-od5is]

​@@kaazimsheikh9034 lmao it's a movie

[@kaazimsheikh9034]

@@Crystal-od5is there are real people that believed they would be fine up until the last moment.

[@Rockame2864]

When you said “if you just go from one codependent relationship to the other, you’ll be too tired to ask questions when they say “Take from the yew tree, feel no pain”.”..that shit gave me goosebumps that lasted for 5 minutes at 4 a.m.

[@NeekkeKayla]

And they still felt pain!!!!

[@twoflowers3859]

i literally read your comment at 4 am

[@ArtAttack98]

Pelle was the scariest character for me… the way he acted insanely sane and sanely insane throughout the movie was terrifying and gave me trust issues.

[@emmavictoria1169]

exactly. I don’t get how people liked him, he was so manipulative to Dani

[@kim-qe9le]

lmfao

[@ninaroux8791]

True, a very insidious character.

[@zewdae8847]

ik same,, and really if we want to really antagonize anyone specifically, i think it should be him bc he was the one who brought all of his "friends" and dani to the hårga -- i doubt he expected any of them to survive.

[@Andrea-nom]

I love how you worded this. At least Christian was trying to ease his way out. Indifferent as he was he didn’t deserve to be sacrificed. Pelle set him up.

[@vyctoriapereira9207]

“Why do we smile at the end of Midsommar?” speak for yourself sir

[@wiawaysb]

i was really annoyed by dani for the entirety of the movie. on one hand i understand that she is going through some tough shit, but on the other hand, i was simply annoyed. so i didn't smile at the end either. but this was a very good analysis in general. i really liked watching it.

[@E.OrthodoxMHNIN]

LMAO

[@thecorazone3868]

At the end I was like "Yo, wtf"

[@youtubeturnedtoshyte.218]

I didn't smile. It was blatantly anti-white racism. A film that denigrates native European people and their traditions made by a racist with a big nose and a small hat.

[@P1I2E3R4R5E6B]

@@youtubeturnedtoshyte.218 nice troll

[@jackiebrunk664]

Pelle's headress during ceremonies is made from vetch- an incredibly invasive weed that's almost impossible to eradicate from your garden. As it grows it winds & tangles & wraps itself around other plants. At the same time, it's a pretty weed & looks delicate & innocent enough. Absolutely love the details & omens woven into this movie. It's so terrifying because it's so beautiful & enchanting.

[@hellhound74]

On top of that, several characters who are sacrificed have the nordic rune symbolizing self sacrifice for the good of others stiched into their clothes The old lady who jumps from the cliff has it on her dress, and one of the guys who ends up getting sacrificed unwillingly has the rune on his shoulder (it looks like a arrow pointing upwards) They put in some CRAZY research into this movie and if you notice these things the movie only gets more and more unsettling

[@kurrs177]

Ok so I just literally finished the movie minutes ago. I'm only at the intro of this vid yet and I'm actually surprised if many people actually "smiled with Dani" upon watching that ending. Because I wasn't. For me, her smile signifies that she finally lost her agency (which I actually think she already lost by the time she chose to sacrifice Christian). She's became part of something she never wanted to be. I wasn't smiling with her, that smile disheartened me.

[@roxyhart5692]

Same

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

I interpreted her smile as her finally going insane thanks to how tired she was. It was brutal, purely psychologically. It was downright satanic. She was so exhausted it felt like someone who's been deprived of love their entire life finally giving in to something hideous and objectively bad because said evil thing has manipulated her into worshipping it.

[@ashemayo]

I honestly was only sad for the bear, man he did nothing wrong

[@vampire_6]

Same and the scene where the bear was alive in a cage. Some man said its just a bear dont worry about it or something like that. Like no tf its not just a bear he has nothing to do with your stupid rituals

[@Hitsugix]

@@vampire_6 When the guy saw the picture of the bear in the fire and I later saw that bear in the cage I was so worried they would actually burn the bear alive. Glad they didn't. Still he should not have been killed at all.

[@vampire_6]

@@Hitsugix yikes. The psychos couldve still tortured him. I hate when people involve animals in their shit.

[@tcbell3694]

Me too! At the very beginning I was hoping it'd be a gigantic stuffed teddy bear,but deep down I knew it wasn't. :( Hate animals getting killed both in life and in movies!

[@verymanly9434]

Even from a practical standpoint, bear meat is edible, it is a horrible waste - and even the fur - it is a horrible waste of a precious life

[@pyrrhichos]

Honestly, psychological horror is so much scarier than jumpscare/gore horror

[@sabrinatscha2554]

Yes!

[@Dan1elAndrade]

I kinda agree, but I think the best thing would be to havê a good mix of both. Sometimes during midsommar I was thinking just one jumpscare would help.

[@arsalfarooq6468]

Daniel Andrade same man, overall it was good but honestly a couple good jump scares would have been nice i was hoping for some after a little

[@WobblesandBean]

AGREED. I roll eyes at people who say films like this "aren't scary", cuz they think horror = jumpscares. It's ridiculous. I have really bad PTSD, so I can't watch most Western horror films cuz they have no atmosphere, no creeping dread, just jumpscare after jumpscare. I can't handle it.

[@soodonim6109]

@@WobblesandBean you should try korean horror movies, they have great buildup and atmosphere, and sometimes other genres mixed in

[@agluebottle]

All the scenes of Dani crying alone really got me. My dad died when I was in college. I remember about half a year later freaking out on my class mates and going for a walk wondering what the hell was wrong with me. I realized the date and that it was another meeting month since he died. I ran into the nearest bush and cried. So I know what that feels like and how dangerously vulnerable that makes you.

[@herlocksholmes-uv5qw]

I'm so sorry for your loss, it sounds horrible to associate a place you gotta go to with those news I'm glad the movie could, at the very least, provide you with some catharsis

[@queerlybeloved257]

"Worship is an act of vulnerability, not just to God, but to everyone you're worshipping with. So, far more important than any labels of 'church' or 'cult' is whether that vulnerability is respected or exploited." Woof -- love that line. Also really love the fade-in of the American flag and everything you brought up as it happened.

[@reginaschellhaas1395]

Loved the flag....

[@blueberry-vo9js]

Pele said he lost both his parents in a fire and I can only assume that they volunteered to be burnt, which makes the movie even more shocking

[@morgaaaaaa]

shiT, never thought about it like that

[@julianaxoxo6584]

yess thought of this straight away.

[@Katyamuffin]

Oh my god, I forgot he said that. That would make sense...

[@agirlhasnoname3580]

Immediately after he said his parents were burnt I thought that this might be some ritual

[@paveljuga7068]

Didn't they say that the ritual takes place every 90 years? So unless Pele is around 100 years old, I don't think that's the case.

[@marleneg6382]

Basically everyone was gaslighting and manipulating Dani in every possible way. To me, her smile was a smile of a defeated soul..she just gave up completely. I didn't smile, I was horrified.

[@EwrimBilgen]

same here

[@jethroteece4750]

"gaslighting" lmao

[@needtoknow29]

@@jethroteece4750 how is it funny?

[@gabidemartinolyingaboutbei8641]

needtoknow29 Because people use that word entirely too much. They’ve never said it in their lives, suddenly everyone has to say it nonstop.

[@needtoknow29]

@@gabidemartinolyingaboutbei8641 that could be said with a lot of work toxic, depressed, etc but that doesn't mean it's funny or should be treated lightly.

[@TheSuperJCN]

I've just watched midsommar (I know, kind of late) and have been going on video after video analyzing the film, and yours is the only one I've seen so far that actually goes into the problematic cult-like behavior of the Harga How they exploit Dani's vulnerability, how they use Christian's body (no one is going to convince me that he wasn't raped), and how the problems we see with their way of life aren't just weird to us because they are a different culture but are actually pretty messed up Thanks for the amazing video

[@mteyytt]

Omg , finally someone spoke about the fact that he was raped and everyone just brushed it aside like it was nothing

[@cloverbun2574]

People who think Christian didn't get raped terrify me, honestly

[@user-ot3tu1yb2j]

I just watched Midsommar and am doing the exact same thing 😅. I completely agree with you. Christian was raped, and Dani was also drugged, vulnerable, put in a position of power, and told she had to make a decision between the life and death of a person she had been betrayed by (in her mind, but also covertly several times throughout the film). In the end, the whole situation was fucked (pardon my French) but the worst part about it is that because the writing was so purposeful leading up to that point, some people missed just how perfectly fucked the situation was.

[@Cheezbuckets]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@user-ot3tu1yb2jI don’t disagree with you at all, but I do want to point out how Dani’s position of power is completely hollow, she isn’t actually given a meaningful choice or power in the situation, just “murder A or murder B.” They have already dictated that someone’s going to die, they wouldn’t stop the sacrifice if she said “no,” and furthermore they’re making her culpable with murder (tangling her even deeper into their hold) by telling her to chose which one dies. It even goes to the point of them rigging the choice (making her think Christian cheated when he was actually drugged and raped), making “her” choice actually the choice they made for her, telling her she’s the Queen and giving her a pretty crown while in reality she’s been mentally compromised with trauma, drugs, and physical exhaustion to the point she’s just following the path they chose for her.

[@kittytwoshoes1]

I grew up in a cult, so when I finished the movie I wasn't able to put my horror into words. I was shocked when I saw that there were people who thought Dani's ending was a good one. I just couldn't stop making parallels to my experiences and the ones in the movie. Thank you for putting it into words.

[@thenixx996]

I have never heard an actress cry with such absolute pain. she's an incredible actress when needing to portray true despair.

[@peperika7845]

Nicola-Dee Van Ass, I know I also think of how exhausting it must be if she did multiple takes with her sobbing scenes.

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

There was also Zoë Saldana in Avatar.

[@ragerach3766]

What about Toni Collette in Hereditary? It gave me chills 😰 it felt so genuine Ari Aster is an amazing director though, picked some brilliant actors for his movies

[@MS-uj5ui]

She deserves an Oscar for her acting. It’s amazing.

[@misterscruffle]

She was amazing in this film, so disturbing to watch

[@JoannaPilapil]

Those article writers are just creepy. They don't get it. Dani's smile means she lost her sanity. I never felt warm at the ending. I just felt psychologically exhausted. I kept on thinking about everything on that movie for like more than a week. I was enlightened but traumatized lol

[@thiskid990]

Definitely most the writers are being sarcastic or just weren’t as deeply affected as you, not rly creepy bro

[@alexfaulkner7064]

isn’t there something freeing about letting go of sanity though?

[@alexfaulkner7064]

@S K good :))

[@alexfaulkner7064]

@S K what do you mean what? i think it’s good that you’re scared :) stay scared !!

[@Muykle]

They are part of a cult. This is why they see the ending as good.

[@Vandalgia]

As an artist/designer, the thing that blow my mind the most is the way how Ari Aster subvert the color tone for this movie, as you've stated in the beginning of the video. Everything is so colorful and bright, and the tone is warm and pleasing to the eye. Even the movie poster looks so inviting. Granted, in art and design world, subversion is somewhat a common theme. But the way how Ari Aster subvert every artistic decision in this movie is on a whole another different level. It's brilliant and that alone makes me fall in love with the movie. This movie cemented my belief that both the best and the worst genre is horror. Either you came up with a masterpiece like this that's worth to be regarded as one of the best movie of all time, or you excrete something that belong in a cesspool like Unfriended.

[@landofthesilverpath5823]

What is the goal of any sort of drama? It is to manipulate the emotions of the audience. The storytelling is trying to evoke emotional responses. Horror is an extreme genre and the possibilities of emotional control are great because of the extreme nature of it. But because it is extreme, it is easy to fall into parody and ridiculousness. That is, it can be difficult to maintain suspension of disbelief and the audience loses their emotional investment in the film due to their intellectual process. I would say that Horror is the ultimate genre of film because of it's potential, but the hardest to elevate to something truly emotionally affecting. That is why the best horror films have such staying power among audiences and remain the most memorable films of all time.

[@oceandawn26]

Part of the tragedy of the ending is that Dani is not held as in 'nurtured', as Pela promises, but held as in 'imprisoned'. The Harga have stripped all her choices away, including what she can see, how she can express emotion, when she has children, and the time and manner of her death. Her smile at the end is a brief, yet false, moment of happiness from her surrender to the group.

[@kaylaslavny6048]

i don’t like how people brush over the fact that the boyfriend was drugged and therefore couldn’t consent to having sx with the red head girl.. like he was essentially assulted

[@crodo123]

right!? and somehow he's the antagonist? gtfo

[@infinitum8558]

Because unfortunatley most people don't recognize male victims.

[@PopeFireTheStarfireGod]

The poor boyfriend , wasn’t even that bad of a dude . Christian was in a emotionally abusive relationship he wasn’t prepared for . He had all but been ready to leave but she emotionally manipulated him . Then she gets him killed . She’s the villain if ya ask me

[@user-xx7ju1wm4d]

@@PopeFireTheStarfireGod Her boyfriend seemed like a twerp that didn’t have the balls to break up with her but bitched about her personal sex life with all his lame buddies. Different strokes for different strokes though. I didn’t think Dannie was manipulative given that her family died, but your opinion is your own

[@PopeFireTheStarfireGod]

@@user-xx7ju1wm4d she was emotionally manipulating him to stay , that’s still manipulating him . Yes her family died , yea he should’ve been “better “ that doesnt stop that she was constantly pushing her emotional baggage on him and he clearly wasn’t prepared for it . Abuse can happen in other ways And clearly she was the abuser since guess what he died by her choice . She didn’t love him she wanted someone to push her problems onto . He’ll the dude even tried to go on a vacation to get a break from it . Yet she emotionally manipulated him to go along .

[@ericaholloway1751]

I honestly thought this was horrific that she was stuck forever in a place she was so afraid to be left in the first place.

[@deshawn1801]

Exactly after it ended I thought ok Mabey she’s happy but then I realized no she’s stuck there and her mind is completely gone

[@annmarieoconnell9735]

me too. I thought the ending was scary af. I don’t know who these people are who found it satisfying

[@comrade8185]

@@annmarieoconnell9735 I know I was like what the duck

[@atomickilljoy66]

Honestly, this comment captures the feeling of claustrophobia I felt watching everyone who could help her and themselves, die. It's the same exact feeling of them burning and not being able to get out, except a more mental type of "stuck".

[@jacobvenit5546]

she literally had a nightmare of being left there by herself but ended up almost willingly stuck, with everyone else dead.

[@sarahj132]

This movie honestly messed me up for little while. It’s the most disturbing movie I’ve ever seen. The ending was even more disturbing, to think a normal person like Dani could reach a point where she just accepts all of the evil around her, IT SPEAKS VOLUMES!

[@KateKaterson-rp8qs]

Your commentary on the cult tactics of Christian youth camps was fantastic- I had an extremely similar experience at my own church. In addition to all the things you mentioned, each church met on the final night and had a group catharsis session where everyone ‘unburdened’ themselves and basically spilled their trauma to the rest of the group. Looking back on it, it definitely created a situation where everyone was pressured into vulnerability and the entire group trauma-bonded. Yikes! Amazing video :)

[@melodiclogic9904]

I haven’t even started watching the video yet but oh my goodness you just opened my eyes. I had the exact same experience. Sitting in a room after prayer and the leader on our church camp made us tell each other our problems. They made us sit in silence until someone spoke, and everyone had to say something “that’d stay in the room” before we were allowed to leave. And it was heavy stuff, one girl spoke about her experience in foster care, one spoke about her experience living under a dictatorship, like we all cried so hard. I never realised the amount of planning and use of tactics were used to make us. I was shamed for not going to church every weekend, but still “enjoying myself with all the fun parts of the church camps”.

[@powersdustin709]

I can’t believe people thought this was a heartfelt and warm ending.

[@AxelStorm]

Well, it was warm for Christian and the other two in the temple

[@user-qz2ld3vt2d]

Stella H he felt a lot. If he didnt he would have just broken up with danny. He still cared about her, but didnt love her. That s why he didnt let it end

[@shannon1958]

123 456 Christian was emotionally abusive. I don’t think he particularly liked or cared for Dani. He was just too much of a coward or too lazy to break up with her. If he really cared about her, he wouldn’t have continually made her feel bad.

[@user-qz2ld3vt2d]

@@shannon1958 He clearly wasn't perfect, and i am not argueing he is. But he did care for her. He kept sticking around because he didn't want to leave her in a time that was that rough for her. But because he didn't want to be with her he became more and more apethetic towards her. He didn't want to still have to do all this. In the end he is really trying to do what's best for her. Planning the trip without telling her was a dick move, but it was based upon that he thought he would be out of the relationship when he would go. The fact that he didn't break up, because she felt so bad was because he cared in some form about her. It wasn't enough for a romantic relationship, but he did want what was best for her. In the end I don't know if he did the right thing. We don't know what would have happened if he left her the night her parents and sister died. I don't think danny would have felt better. I think wanting to wait for her to feel a bit better to break up is not the worst thing to do. He must have felt very trapped.

[@shannon1958]

123 456 Okay, to be clear, My position is that Christian was far worse than just being an asshole, he emotionally abused his vulnerable girlfriend. He didn’t deserve to die, but I think saying he was just an asshole dismisses his more heinous traits. Perhaps he did care for Dani at some point, but that love has turned into apathy which is the exact opposite of love. Even before Dani’s family tragedy, she is talking to a friend about how she feels she is asking too much of Christian simply because she is seeking support during a difficult time. We follow Dani’s perspective as she worries not only about her family’s well-being, but that she will be annoying her boyfriend by calling to discuss her very valid and founded concerns. Dani is not being unreasonable. Yet we cut to Christian, reluctant to engage with his clearly distraught girlfriend. His friends have a seemingly unfair negative opinion of her which they vocalize readily, and we learn that he is planning to break up with her. Now there is nothing wrong with Dani’s needs but there is also nothing wrong with Christian’s inability or unwillingness to meet them. He is not obliged to do that and he is free to leave the relationship at any time. However, rather than admit to this reality, he lies and pretends. He constantly treats her like a burden, minimizes her feelings, and is seemingly always trying to escape from her. The tension in their relationship is palpable but instead of being honest with her, he pretends like she’s being ridiculous for sensing. She is well within her rights to be upset that he withheld knowledge about his upcoming trip. He’s been planning it for months and has intentionally chosen to neglect telling her. Yet by the end of that scene, she is apologizing because he has implied that her reaction is wrong, when again, she is being perfectly reasonable. This is gaslighting. He is deliberately twisting her perspective of her own feelings and understandings. Making her doubt herself and her rationality when he knows that she’s right. This is emotional abuse. If Christian truly cared about Dani, he would have left when he realized that he had nothing good to offer her anymore. Perhaps his intentions were noble, but his actions were actively and deliberately harmful to Dani’s mental health and emotional well-being. That’s not caring about somebody. It’s cowardly because he is essentially placing the blame for his own emotional abuse on to Dani because he feels as though he owes her something. In a way he is right, but it is not a relationship that he owes her. He owes it to her to be honest and upfront and not to literally hurt her more than is necessary. If he cared about her, he could still do that as a friend and from more of a distance. I understand what you are saying, that he stayed because he cared enough about her to not want her to suffer alone. However, Dani does have other friends. She’s talking to one of them in the beginning of the film. And just like the video says, she shows incredibly healthy behavior for somebody who is grieving. She makes efforts to go out, to spend time with people. Yes, she cries frequently but she never expresses any sort of harmful behaviour towards herself. Nevermind that she is a psychology grad student, and as a result likely far more aware of mental health. That’s not to say that any of these things could preclude somebody from attempting to hurt themselves, but that they make it far less likely. I fail to see evidence that Dani may have posed a threat to herself, and if anything it is Christian who is holding her back from true emotional healing. The feeling of being trapped must suck, but he has trapped himself as far as I am concerned. What makes it unforgivable is that he abused somebody who trusted him as a result. I’m sorry for what may be an entire too long response but I find the discussion really interesting.

[@anomienormie8126]

I was rolling my eyes in the beginning when you said the audience is brainwashed until you showed actuual articles thinking it Is a happy ending. Bruh, I didn't know people actually thought that.

[@niconachozstudio1952]

same, with ending and the music my face was just shock and terrified of what i saw

[@jemadamson2715]

Had to pause the video to see if anyone thought this. Glad I'm not the only one like "wtf"

[@derek96720]

It's terrifying how people (mostly women, evidently) overlook obvious manipulation and horror being perpetrated on the other people, simply because they identify with the main character.

[@JacquelynRutchik]

I think he actually misunderstood some of the reviews. Sure, some apparently perceived it that way but I don’t think all of the reviews he showed were that simplistic. Their words chosen were more nuanced. I take issue with this guy acting like he’s some kind of enlightened savior of the masses. I was not smiling at the end of Midsommer, though I fully enjoyed the disturbed, baffled, sick feeling it gave me. That’s what horror should do and this movie did it very well. I was fully aware of the cult aspect but I think this guy underestimated the audience. The Hargas did not win me over, and neither did this video.

[@roseclouds5838]

@@derek96720 I think it’s because a lot of women deeply hold in their emotions, we have empty emotions we share which is why we are portrayed in media as empathetic and lovely to eachother, but in reality you have to be put-together and have our emotions in line. the majority of people who join cults (or the most strongly indoctrinated) are women because it’s seen as a completely inhumane escape from societal pressures. I see the women who saw it as a good ending just as people who overlook anything at the opportunity to let go of all built up pressure to conform

[@JayneAFK]

I didn't hate Christian, there was nothing there to hate. He was put into a difficult situation that he didn't know how to navigate. Pelle, meanwhile, was the one doing all of the gaslighting, love bombing, forcing drugs onto Dani and the others, he even sexually assaults her at a time where she doesn't have a chance to react or process it. People hated Christian for not being superficially nice, like Pelle, but Christian was there for Dani when she was grieving, even if he was clumsy and out of his depth. He still tried. His biggest fault was in trusting this cult, but that could be said of all the characters. Pelle, on the other hand, played the Nice Guy trope perfectly in order to manipulate Dani (and the stupid people in the audience too, I guess, but he was just creepy to me) and it worked. People accuse Christian of gaslighting Dani, but Pelle actually does outright gaslight her when she tried to express concern about the cult, Pelle turns it back on her and her grief, even though she wasn't talking about that. He actively tried to trigger her there to distract her from thinking clearly and being critical of the cult, he also used it as an opportunity to try and force more drugs onto her. How did people not see this? I am actually baffled.

[@aleckelly374]

Totally agree. This is such an interesting watch because many people blame the main characters instead of the cult and Pelle. Christian was weak but he was ultimately the biggest victim by the end.

[@SweetPotato3507]

I agree with everything you said about Pelle, and he was the biggest antagonist. However, Christian is definitely the second biggest antagonist in the film. I’m honestly surprised that anyone could defend him… He was a horrible partner to Dani and was very self centered/self serving throughout the whole movie, and look where that got him.

[@JayneAFK]

@@SweetPotato3507 Dani was treating Christian like her therapist rather than her boyfriend, and he wasn't able to handle that himself mentally. There's nothing wrong or evil about that. Idk why people expect men to just take everything all of the time, and then also demonise them for it on top of that. They can't win. Christian stayed with Dani when she needed him, took her on holiday with him to try and help her feel better, he didn't have to do any of that. He's not being paid for the emotional labour of playing grief counsellor for someone who is supposed to be his girlfriend. He didn't kill her family. Also, it doesn't matter how "selfish" someone is, they don't deserve to be drugged and r-worded. Also, what did the other guests to to deserve their brutal fates? Nothing. The cult was just mental, sexist, ageist, and white supremacist on top of all of that. That's what led to the bad things happening to everyone, nothing else.

[@SweetPotato3507]

@@JayneAFK Lord have mercy, did we even watch the same movie??😭😭 First of all, yes your partner should not have to play the role a grief counselor. However, being in a committed relationship comes with challenges and responsibilities like this! I don’t expect Christian to help Dani fully navigate her grief, but he could AT LEAST have a little compassion to the girl (he supposedly loves) who just lost her whole family. What are any relationships for if we can’t lean on the ppl around us when going through a tough time?? I’m going to assume you have either never been in a serious committed relationship, or never had something traumatic happen to you or your partner while in one.

[@SweetPotato3507]

@@JayneAFK When did I ever say that I expect men to just lay down and take shit all of the time?? I hold the same expectations for both genders no matter the circumstance. Christian did in fact NOT stay with Dani when she needed him. There was one scene where he was with her right after her family died, and every time after that she was seen crying alone. He also did NOT plan to take her on that holiday… he was planning to go without her, until she pretty much had to invite herself. Also ofc he’s not being paid for being a good bf… you do that shit for free when you’re in a relationship.

[@DaniloInderWildi]

It astonishes me that anybody could interpret the ending as a victory or a relief for Dani. I felt shivers running down my spine watching it. I instantly read it not only as a cinematic warning of manipulation through a cult but even as a brilliant parable for fascism (in a broader sense) of any vein. PS: Am I the only one to be reminded of Jonestown by this movie?

[@OlliAlexander]

The fact that many people apparently think the movie had a happy ending or that Dani found a new family and freedom for herself etc shocks me way more than the movie itself. That is a testament to the fact that these things can happen and do happen in real life, in real world. That is truly scary.

[@reksub10]

those people most likely dont know about Huxley's work or soma or B.F Skinners work as well.

[@moonlily1]

To me it's an ambiguous ending. I think that if she accepts them, they will allow her in; they need her for genetic diversity and Pelle wants to hit that, plus there's no guarantee that Christian fucking Maja just the once will result in a pregnancy and no guarantee then that it will come to term. It's good to have a backup; if Dani marries Pelle and they have several babies all the better for their group, and if they come asking questions about Christian and all she can say that they all took off without her and doesn't know what became of them; with no proof to the contrary, this helps the Horga stay away from the heat. It could be a superficially happy ending, except Dani can't leave if she changes her mind, and she isn't really Dani anymore, not the one we knew.

[@damjanp7920]

I know I'm gonna get called sexist for saying this, but 90% of people I've seen say the ending is happy were women lmao. Justyfing her killing her boyfriend (who was a scumbag, no denying that), saying shit like "she got out of a toxic relationship/she's finally allowed to be her true self/you go girl" and similar shallow "self-help type" shit. There's a pattern I see here

[@moonlily1]

@@damjanp7920 Well. you're probably right, except that you can't always tell the gender of the person by their handle. Most people assume that I'm a man, but I am not. I don't, however, think that the death was justified. I get what you're saying, I cringe when I see bitches cheering for Amy from Gone Girl. I'm like, y'all know she's a narcissistic sociopath, right? She ain't doing this because of a broken heart, she's doing this because he made her look bad, and can you really blame him for cheating? I'd be looking for a way out of that marriage too. Christian is an asshole. But not to the extent that he deserves to be drugged, raped, incapacitated, sown into a bear and set on fire. You gotta be much worse than a shitty boyfriend and a backstabbing friend to deserve that.

[@damjanp7920]

@@moonlily1 True that I can't always tell but in this instance the way they write stuff makes it seem like that specific type of women. But yeah, for every woman that completely misses the point there's one that got the movie better than I did anyway, from what I can see in the comment section I do kinda think Christian did deserve to die (not in such a gruesome way tho) because of the way he backstabbed Josh after he stole the book. If Josh was alive by that point, what Christian told the older dude would've almost certainly killed Josh. That was maybe the worst part about him to me. One thing is not caring about your gf and treating her like shit but being okay with (from his viewpoint of not knowing Josh was dead) getting your friend killed is way worse imo. So yeah, I'm not glad the director felt Dani was justified in killing him cause of the way he treated her specifically but at the same time I'm glad he died

[@pagenein]

As a Swedish person I feel obligated to say that the constant sunlight felt disillusioning and just as a reminder of the facade of the cult, because everyone knows it always rains on midsummer

[@babou4947]

Fucking true hahaha

[@lazerbeamlightningstorm5844]

Strangely very comforting. I still want to visit either way.

[@xkathygee]

It's probably because the gods are with them. To get the sacrifices they turn on the party lights.

[@No-nl8jn]

Same in Danmark

[@miamorg2352]

Hahahaha ja det är midsommar 😂😂

[@Rowan7131]

I grew up Baptist, and while my family has grown together past the more culty aspects of fundamentalism, I remember being shocked when I found out other people didn’t go to summer camp, because we always went to summer camp. A youth pastor with teenagers of his own explained to us that the emotional high you’re describing is exactly the reason he’d never send his kids to summer camp, because they’d already been saved and he wasn’t going to put them in a situation where they’d be pushed to make another profession of faith. Most people with you at the alter probably stuck with their decisions for 2 weeks tops after going home. I worked a summer at the camp I’d attended as a kid and saw firsthand how controlling and abusive the leadership really was. I want to go back and ask them if they knew what they were doing to us or if they were just doing what was done to them. Also when you mention being bonded to the people you worship with, I now realize why I was so attached to the Christian boys I dated and didn’t see their own abusive tendencies. I’ve been summing it up as “Christian boys failed me” when it wasn’t necessarily their own fault, but once again the authorities abusing their power. That’s probably not super clear, but the details don’t really matter, it’s just a though you sparked.

[@Ricolicous]

Wow

[@lusanda.naledi]

I think the saddest part is that in the end dani's emotions are still usurped by other people. in the beginning and throughout the film christian negates her emotions by way of ridicule and manipulation and, like you mentioned, isolating her. in the end, before dani cracks her smile, she looks around at all the other members and how elated and manic they are at the sight of dani's (for lack of a better word) friends' deaths. i believe that's what prompted her to smile because before this she was crying hysterically. she didn't actually feel victorious in that moment, she just didn't want to be the odd one out in the same way that she was left out of her relationship with christian, christian's friends and, most devastatingly, her entire family's death. the only time dani embodies her true emotions is when she's alone, otherwise she's looking outside herself for emotional regulation.

[@misterscruffle]

Seriously this actress blew me away, she was so good at emotions and bottling them in and letting them explode.

[@fanyr4319]

Not to polish my own knob but some of us do it everyday

[@bubs1687]

she kinda sucked ass at crying bro

[@baconismything3585]

@@fanyr4319 Yea but they meant the actress. I don’t think anyone can fake those emotions, especially on screen.

[@lunaginebra]

I fell in love with her in this movie and Little women

[@benjaminjackson9449]

@@bubs1687 Thats the point. It's the uncontrollable depression crying and she's really good at it.

[@hund2110]

"The warm feeling the ending gives us..." It would appear I am not the audience for this essay.

[@wouhoulifeisamazing]

Exactly what I thought from the first sentences XD "why do we smile at the end of Midsommar?" hum what? "As we the audience cheer her on" huh No?

[@midsummerdream2957]

It kind of disturbed me that people felt that way while watching people be murdered. IDK, maybe I think people don’t deserve to be killed for being jerks?

[@HotaruKuroi]

For me the smiling-part was one of the most horrific moments of the movie. It was a crazy smile which made me feel really uncomfortable. I was always pissed at Christian but being murdered like this is nothing I needed to see or to know.

[@StandardGretchen]

I didn't get the warm feelings either, but rather unsettled all the way and having to pour myself some whisky. I've been in too many rabbit holes about cults, probably.

[@fjshark6173]

Was not apart of that audience the whole movie is a giant wtf.

[@milenka4782]

I was very worried for Dani in the end, as she's on her own, her friends are dead and she's on the mercy of the deadly cult :( The visuals and music are absolutely beautiful in the movie, it's one of the movies that I'll always be coming back to ❤

[@paulac.munoztorres]

It is going to take a long time for me to let go of everything this movie rose in me. The attention to details, the simbolism, the scenography, how the relationships are shown and how they evolve. Brilliant, just brilliant.

[@runswithbears3517]

The fact that people interpreted this as a happy ending is the reason we cannot have nice things.

[@PDeeVidoes]

LITERALLY!! Did you see how floored Ari was when that interviewer said he thought it was a happy ending?? Lol some of us understand what you were tryna do Ari! 😭

[@stephanryll2133]

Yes. Everybody who thinks, this movie has a happyend is easily reachable for fascism.

[@lex_rodriguez]

It's sorta presented as one - it's the people who romanticize the ending who worry me.

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

It depends on how you define that term. Dani is clearly happy at the end, but that's not the same thing as thinking that what happened was a good thing.

[@PDeeVidoes]

Corn Pone Flicks that’s a good point too that just cause someone’s happy it doesn’t mean it’s for the right reasons. But is she really happy or just suppressing her sadness? She never really mourned the loss of her family or dealt with the break up with Christian because he just dies. I think her “happiness” in the end is what makes the ending very far from that

[@Mary-tu2de]

The only thing I got from the smile at the end was that she had lost it. She had experienced so much trauma and mental and emotional abuse before this trip,then she goes to this weird ass place where she takes a bunch of mind altering drugs and a bunch more traumatizing shit happened. I really just got the sense that she snapped/her mind was just broken so she gave into the madness around her.

[@DianaD113]

yes!! im surprised not everyone thought this too

[@princesspeaches8525]

Yes me too

[@jillianwalls720]

That’s exactly what I thought too.

[@erinfennessy5332]

Exactly

[@gunpowdergelatine731]

yes!

[@fourtweven]

So, I was just thinking about this. When Pelle is talking to Dani and said that he also lost his parents, he said that he lost them in a fire. Could they have been sacrificed in the same way Pelle's "offerings" were at the end? Just a thought.

[@rin0ki]

When I finished watching Midsommar, I cried for at least 30 minutes. I was so overwhelmed by all the bright visuals and everything Dani had gone through. Her smile solidified to me that she had completely lost herself and her individuality thanks to her vulnerability... I was so tense and felt so shocked. And the worst part of it all was seeing people online react as if this was a *good* ending. It was saddening to me. It made me feel like all those people were like Dani, and simply saw no other way out.

[@sefogonzales5864]

People thought Pelle was a nice and caring guy because of the contrast to Christian meanwhile I felt like he was being really manipulative the entire time lol

[@SoVidushi]

I wanted to punch him anytime he was being nice to dani, idk why

[@carissa4551]

they were both manipulative but in different ways. i never liked either of them throughout the movie

[@nette9206]

f o i l

[@W34KN35S]

Exactly lol , on the freaking mural at the beginning , his character is portrayed or drawn as the puppet master or the one controlling everything.

[@crodo123]

I don't understand how people think Christian is "THE antagonist" of the movie. Like how dumb do you have to be. He's a bit a douche but he doesn't kidnap people to get them sacrificed.

[@yeayou7764]

never thought this was a happy ending, it’s so disturbing to see how many people thought it was

[@averylarson8139]

i honestly think that the people who thought it was a happy ending were just extremely vulnerable and therefore able to succumb to the manipulation:(

[@crowMilatonin]

Also like, even if he did do what he did on his own consent,,, you realize how overboard it is to burn him alive

[@cruisingscenesandtakingbea4197]

It’s an internal cognitive bias working in the background. They interpret the movie as if it’s catered to their specific worldview and love it. I feel like the point of the film was to expose cognitive biases everyone has.

[@mworld2611]

How did people find it a happy ending!? It was terrifying, the girl became a psychopath!

[@benskywalker131]

How many salty cat ladies thought this was a happy ending *

[@JulianaJenkinsofbooksandmen]

i watched many many videos about this movie, and your by far was the most complex, layered and accompliched of them. amazing work.

[@Spell-jy9xs]

Ok but can we talk about how Christian was drugged and raped, and then burned alive while paralyzed for it?

[@shesaidshesaidshesfromhawaii]

It's messed up and morally disgusting.

[@ScepticGinger89]

He wasn't raped though.

[@anoukdeijnen9242]

@@ScepticGinger89 he was because he couldn’t consent because of all the drugs

[@RHBR01]

@@ScepticGinger89 He's given a drugged drink by the girl before it happens.

[@currybread5298]

Nobody talks about it because he's a man

[@maja2851]

Her smile at the end is chilling. I interpreted that more as a false happy ending. She's happy in her mind, but in reality she's lost it. She was indoctrinated into a cult that kidnapped and murdered her "friends" and boyfriend. Yeah those people sucked, but they didn't deserve death. No matter what, you shouldn't smile at that.

[@ArtAttack98]

I agree they really didn’t deserve their fate not even Christian.. I felt even more bad for Simon and connie :‘(

[@maja2851]

@@ArtAttack98 Yeah they did nothing, they seemed so nice and they were going to get married and everything :((

[@Risingofthephoenixxx]

Yea she reminded me of the joker. In all honesty she can be the next joker despite her being female.

[@juliespiezia7807]

I agree! I definitely didn’t smile while watching the end of this movie I just stared at the screen with my mouth agape

[@celenesanchez6239]

Exactly ! I felt so bad for the engage couple. They just wanted to leave that place and carry on with their lives. But they were murder for a ritual, they were just offerings. Is chilling to think that there are people like that in the world. Dani is not that innocent, it was up to her to choose the last individual for the sacrifice and she picked Christian. There are people out there, who rather kill their partners than seeing them with someone else. Or after been betray. That relationship was toxic for both of them.

[@bebx9251]

this was so professionally and beautifully put together. thank you for this. I couldn't agree more with everything you said and couldn't have said it better. well done!

[@gogo.horrorshow]

This is THE best analysis of Midsommar I’ve come across. Possibly the best film analysis I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Absolutely brilliant stuff. Happily subscribed! I look forward to what you’ll bring in 2023! (Happy New Year!) 🥂

[@georgem.6076]

I couldn't get past the whole "Yeah, let's stick around" after watching two people jump to their deaths.

[@vincenzonapoles4371]

That was the biggest issue for me too. Totally felt fake after that.

[@equosition1242]

If I remember correctly, they went there to explore the culture and rituals, so it's kind of, sort of, a little tiny bit understandable that they'd try to "explore understand and accept" everything happening. Maybe.

[@hadeedahnoor9348]

@@equosition1242 also knowing that chris and josh are antropologist, they need a material for their thesis and also the way chris said "im trying to be open minded" is what an antropologist should be. We all are aware of how disturbing the ritual is but still its just how their culture works and simon's freaks out can be considered rude (dishonoring the culture), its like when an antropologist is going to observe a certain culture they must have permission first, and having agreements on what to do and not to do

[@frey3794]

i think its very easy to say 'omg i would totally leave after that' when you're not actually in that situation. theres been tons of very scary studies done on bystander apathy, and i think that scene was a perfect example of it. not to mention the reason of 'it's just their culture, we think it's weird cause its different but it's totally normal to them.'

[@whatanoddtree]

but connie and simon tried to leave and they were killed for it. dani was too grief stricken and when she tried to leave, pelle comforted her and convinced her to stay. josh and christian were anthropologist so they were there with their curiousity and the belief of “it’s their culture.”

[@reecelongden1427]

Okay, but can we talk about how raw and real the actress’s cries were. It wasn’t like those fake whine cries, they sounded real, painful, emotional, raw and truthful. Just me?

[@nahmastay3300]

She killed it. The way she tried to literally suffocate her uncontrollable sobs...that shit was so real. I’ve done that many times trying to swallow up a mental breakdown and shut off. She did PHENOMENAL

[@elvansavkl7972]

Unfortunately,American acting schools are abusive places.They abuse and break you.Kind of MKU METHODS.

[@kristynarinconova3176]

100% agreed! that was actually the first thought coming to my mind watching this film. it was a fenomenal performance and I wish to see her in more movies.

[@brittanynicoles4534]

Florence is one of the most amazing actresses I have ever seen

[@jadeapril2599]

no yeah those were incredible...she had to have experienced some sort of trauma to unlock those again

[@acestevenson2117]

wow. the last line you said, about taking from the yu tree, gave me goosebumps. you have serious talent man. i love your vids!!

[@g0d5m15t4k3]

Awww, I love this essay! And your others. I hope you can make more! I just really enjoy your slow, methodical analysis of this film. Especially in regards to light and color lulling the viewer into a false sense of security. Well done.

[@luanabastos4937]

I'm a member of a book club in my town, and this past October we decided to change things up a bit and spend the month watching horror movies. When discussing Midsommar, there was this girl who seemed to genuinely believe that it had a happy ending. In her words, by the end of the movie, Dani had not only "gotten rid" of a toxic boyfriend, but had "freed" herself from a "bad world" that didn't understand her. She found "home and support" in this community, which is why, supposedly, we should feel glad for her triumph. That explanation baffled me. I didn't feel like we had watched the same movie. First, because "getting rid of a toxic boyfriend", in this case, didn't involve simply dumping his ass and maybe flipping him off on the way out. For God's sake, Christian was boiled alive inside a bear suit. All the people who came on that trip with Dani died, and this cannot be minimized just because they were jerks to her. And then, there's the freedom thing. Dani was desperate for any kind of affection. It's exactly because she was so lonely that she clung to Christian and accepted any scraps he gave her. The people from the cult saw into her vulnerability (as cult people often do) and offered what she wanted most. Dani didn't free herself, she just became dependent on other people. She will put up with anything and everything, even the horrendous murders, if it means she will have a place to belong. There's no triumph here. Man, happy ending my butt. This movie was fucking depressing.

[@Crazywaffle5150]

I would question everyone and anyone who sides with a murderer. I would assume they are killers their self.

[@directiontonarnia]

Beautifully put🙏

[@Splexsychiick]

Yer swerve yourself away from that girl.

[@elishashrestha569]

i am also disturbed by the fact how some people think the ending was in favor of Dani...!!!

[@thespicyspicey]

God, this movie gave me headache for 2 days.

[@noplease9923]

This movie only gave me huge anxiety, every scene it’s just like a nightmare

[@xiaoecstasy]

YES! its all a fever dream

[@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783]

no please lol try Herdeditary, his other movie. It’s even more horrifying.

[@briannasoto412]

@@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783 it honestly is, Ari Aster comes up with some really messed up stories but at the same time the story lines are very well thought out and wierdly interesting

[@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783]

Brianna Soto I’m a huge fan of his. Hereditary I can’t even watch again. Two viewing is enough for me it really makes me uncomfortable. The ending is totally surreal. His next project is going to be witch related. Can’t wait.

[@gencabdullahi3994]

@@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783 omg really ??? I was certain his next movie would be "Beau is Afraid" which is loosely based off his previous short film called "Beau"

[@ald7282]

the first time i watched this movie, i felt hypnotized by it at the end. it felt almost cathartic in a weird way, like i was connecting with dani. and then, later, it hit me that the cult got to me too. i was in a really rough spot and felt so alone at the time, and the cult got to me. this movie is so effective at showing the progression of indoctrination of vunerable people that it basically did it to me while watching it.

[@shona5032]

Every now and then i come and visit this video essay. One of my absolute favourites.

[@CristiNeagu]

The amount of people that took that ending smile to mean happiness is disconcerting. To me, that ending smile was insanity finally taking hold.

[@matt-james2368]

I know right? "The ending was so empowering and happy!" I'm like did we just watch the same fucking movie? "But she found her true family and place on Earth! Christian treated her terribly and metaphorically put her through a fire." Ummmmm, no. I don't care if Christian was a Trump supporter who has a Me Wei account he didn't deserve to be boiled alive in a fucking bear carcass. PARALYZED AT THAT! WHAT A HORRIBLE DEATH. Like yeah he sucked, but do the normal thing and be a passive aggressive bitch and dump his ass. These people scare me that feel it was justified. Nobody deserves that unless you're Hitler or Eric Trump. She's not in a good place either when it ends. Sure she smiles, she's fucking insane and 100% blitzed lol. When the drugs wear off and believe me they will, she's going to get hit with the fact she basically murdered her bf and implode with guilt and I imagine will also puke everywhere lol. The harga will turn on her so fast when this happens because she is now a liability. Next thing you know they are telling her that after 2 weeks every May Queen is destined to be hit over the head with a fucking rock lol. 72 is not for you babe Haha. I mean they think of reasons to kill any chance they get anyway. So she will be murdered, burned to ash, and no one will ever ask her whereabouts. Fo sho, what a happy fucking ending you damn millenials lol.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@matt-james2368 Meanwhile, i'm finding it ironic that you're here commenting on the dangers of joining a cult, while at the same time holding so much disdain for Trump supporters and for Eric Trump, in particular... They're all just people, you know? And there's quite a lot of them. At least 75m. Reminds me of how a lot of cults brainwash their followers into believing the outside world is full of evil people that want to corrupt you, so you should never talk with or pay attention to those devils! After you're done with feeling outraged by what i said, perhaps consider getting to know those people a bit better. I assure you that for the most part, you both want the same thing, but have different ideas about how to do it. Anyways, all that aside, sure, I agree. Although we don't know what the requirements are for joining the Harga. Do you need to be a blood relative? Very possible, in which case Dani is screwed. Maybe you can marry into the cult, but as we've seen with Christian, there's not a lot of hope for that. Then again, maybe for them it's worth sacrificing (literally) a man to gain a woman in the form of Dani. So maybe she'll stay on as Pelle's wife, who knows? It also depends on how broken Dani is after all this. Sure, she might snap out of it like you say, or she might have gone completely down the rabbit hole. People stay in cults for very long periods of time, doing all sort of things we'd find insane (well, maybe not as insane as burning your ex alive, but perhaps the shock of that act is an even stronger incentive to not snap out of it). So... i dunno... Judging by their track record, it is very likely that Dani is on borrowed time. On the other hand, there's also the possibility that she'll join them. Would be interesting to know what happened to her.

[@CristiNeagu]

@Sarah's Riding The Storm Wave. I have no idea what you're saying. Try English.

[@CristiNeagu]

@Sarah's Riding The Storm Wave. Also, seems like the irony of your cult mentality fuelled outburst is lost on you.

[@evangelion8793]

I saw that as her being high as fuck and making a delusional smile at the fire or the noise or whatever. Honestly I didn’t think she was even aware totally of what was happening at that point lol. Maybe I’m lost.

[@yunggoth9713]

Am I the only one who didn’t get a “warm feeling” at the end? I’m kind of creeped out at you guys...

[@gingersnap9712]

This was the most disturbing film I have ever viewed. Especially when you know about Dr.Richard Day(Rockefeller Institute and Director of Planned Parenthood) remarks in 1969 about having the elderly take a demise pill at a designated age as part of population control in the future. There is much more but this movie was predictive programming. I also believe a real ritual was performed on screen that affects the viewer. Marina Abromovich confirmed that magic performed on screen affects and involves the viewer. Disturbing to say the least. I also feel that peoples glowing reaction to it is most disturbing of all.

[@briannasoto412]

It was weird because at the beginning (like when Dani first arrived at the place), it seemed so peaceful and calm, but at the same time it felt so off and sinister....................then ya, we all know what happens the rest of the movie

[@kenyamahrei1627]

Hearing ppl say they got a warm feeling at the end makes the movie that much more creepy. They show you a movie about indoctrination, whilst indoctrinating the viewer....

[@mariet9573]

It was very disturbing to me

[@chuchar7889]

Kenya Mahrei couldn't agree more👏🏼👏🏼

[@gustavrosengren6605]

Personaly, on a regular day in my life I walk around and think moslty about what I'm doing at the moment or what i'm about to do soon. Soon as in a few minuites or soon as in a couple of days or weeks. Never really speculating around larger questions. But just sometimes in situations like now when I watched this great review, who diggs in to things like (some good but mostly bad ways of) dealing with grief, vulnerability, and indoctrination in a incredably compelling way, I can't help but pause my ordinary mindset and begin to thinking about how I deal with the greif I experience sometimes. It almost makes me think wider than I can comprehend in a way. I think that's a sign that you did and amazing job with this video. I felt how my chest got heavier and heavier as it went on. In a good way. Chef's kisses!

[@gumpcard]

Thank you for the nuanced take and for offering up more questions instead of answers. Definitely SUBSCRIBED. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@bibbleb00]

This movie freaked me the fuck out, because at first I WAS happy with the ending, getting this feeling that Dani had found a place of peace after all the trauma she had been through. It took me a couple weeks of nonstop thinking abt this film (because really, who didnt do that after they saw Midsommar for the first time) before I realized the whole point of showcasing all of Dani's trauma is to make the audience go along with the ride so you can truly understand how cults draw you in through trauma and isolation, and that's what I did. I felt the peace she seemed to feel at the end. The acceptance, and this calm sensation, a feeling like I could finally relax. I had been manipulated just like Dani, and it's really an absolutely incredible PSA to warn people about how susceptible we are to brainwashing and how to avoid it. I'm very glad to have seen it

[@yareyaredaze9909]

dang you big brain broski

[@malloryg4251]

Hey, at least you eventually realized the truth. I hated this movie, even though I loved Hereditary. I thought it was too absurd to be believable in any way and I didn't feel connected to Dani OR Christian. They both irritated me in different ways, so I wasn't rooting for either one. However, the extreme violence and horrific ending is what made me write off this movie altogether. It left me feeling sickened and completely numb. To make matters worse, I read sooooooo many comments online about how people felt like Christian got what he deserved and that Dani had finally found her peaceful ending. It made me think about the world we live in, how people can condone and applaud such ultra-violence and be so easily manipulated. Makes you wonder what we're truly capable of.

[@anacarol831]

@Patriot Jefferson They kill themselves because they want to.

[@anasonyc3983]

@@anacarol831 And they want to due to indoctrination.

[@xya189]

I watched it today... The ending, I knew Dani cracked. She's now fooled herself it was alright. Christian was pityful. Always wanting to please the bigger group. What bothers me the most is simon :'l

[@theyoutubeanalyst3731]

So not everyone realized the Harga were manipulating Dani? That... that is terrifying.

[@nicholescott1484]

No it was pretty obvious she was being manipulated, the main point of this video is to show how the film basically manipulates people who are watching the film who sympathize with Dani as well

[@lau.tizzir]

But it makes sense when you think about it... The film seems to be built with that intention. Dani starts in a really bad situation and ends in a very different but just as bad situation. From one extreme to the other: From darkness, alone, in an isolated and cold society to a light blindness, surrounded by people who manipulate her with the promise of belonging, a cult disguised as family. It's pretty clever, the viewers are being manipulated at the same time as Dani. They are supposed to be attuned to the feelings and needs Dani has, so when she begins to get what she lacked and wanted at the beginning of the film with this group of people, it's easy to ignore all the red flags. So I think it's quite normal that a lot of people ended the movie with this idea of a happy ending, but at the same time with an unease feeling... It is only when you distance yourself from it, when you realize that you have been manipulated too. In the same way that many victims of cults need to get away in order to see everything with another perspective and realize then what was really going on.

[@aristideregnier4883]

those people that didn't think that are called NPCs. Literally, they don't have a soul.

[@katienichole6905]

I think anyone who's felt that isolation, especially deliberately at the hands of a partner, would relate to the relief of finding someone at last. Now, the burning is EXTREME, but I can see why people are still clinging to the relief that she actually has someone -multiple people- who will let her feel and feel WITH them. It's a strange release at the end, so I can understand wanting to smile with her. It isn't actually better, but it FEELS better, somehow.

[@fattyponce5740]

That’s the point of all this video

[@MisterJoshuaTree]

I think you crystallized a thought I’ve had about this movie for years but could never put into words. The shot of the guy screaming in pain as he’s engulfed in flames also seemed incredibly significant to me, but I couldn’t quite capture why. I think your observations make a lot of sense.

[@letecatina]

So, people assumed she is happy and that this was a happy ending, because she is smiling? Her smile is very unnerving.

[@sosha20]

right?? her face creeps me the f out!

[@leslawrenson]

She survives because she is the only one in her group who is able to integrate into the cult; and the only way that she was able to integrate is because she had lost everything in her other life. She was an empty vessel looking to be filled with something that would give substance to her life and being. For that, she was prepared to give up everything, including the life of her boyfriend.

[@veganrican606]

And she had the "right" genes.

[@QuetzalcoatlOdin]

Disagree. Christian with her life. To an unhealthy degree.

[@juanjoseph]

She survives because she's the perfect bait for the cult, and she's got a baby making machine.

[@gimmekromer1151]

@ demons does not exist

[@AxiomaLibre]

Let's not meet never

[@torycatherine2044]

What people fail to realize is that they were manipulating her the entire time. People keep saying them "crying" with her during her panick attack was really sweet and therapeutic, but all they were doing was giving her what she needed at her worst, most vulnerable moments. I can guarantee Pelle told everyone about what happened to her and knew her boyfriend was emotionally non existent towards her and they used all of that. I think they wanted her to win May Queen and made sure she did and wanted her to find Christian having sex with that girl to make it look like they love her and will be there with her to share her pain. They've got this down to a science.

[@krystalshepherd4582]

Reminds me of politicians and media

[@WeeweeSensi]

whos failing to realize?

[@sillyoldbastard3280]

You are being manipulated the entire time and you are only aware of fraction of it.

[@jessicamessica2271]

It's definitely a possibility

[@hannahdoyle8511]

@@WeeweeSensi THANK YOU FOR THAT:) glad im not the only one

[@h3rbsman]

Yo just found this channel and gotta say this is top shelf content I love to find channels like yours because they are so rare, there are true creatives on KZbin and y’all are definitely included 👍

[@aallerton]

I just watched this movie - way too late, better that then never, certainly. Loved it and I equally loved your video essay on it. It is by far the best I've seen and I doubt one could do a better job than you did. I'm subscribing to the channel right away. You are a brilliant person and also, if you were in a cult,, your way of speaking would make it for me very hard to resist 🙂 And you are absolutely right. Even though I didn’t really think the ending was so good as so many people apparently did, but I caught myself having warm feelings numerous times when the cultists bombarded the girl with love, so suggestive it was. BTW, I've always been especially afraid of cults, probably after watching "Rosemary's Baby" as a child. :-) Thanks for the fantastic video.

[@EatTheRichh]

What disturbs me the most is HOW Christian died. People talk about his death like it was well deserved, do they realize how long, and agonizing that kind of death is tho? He wasn’t just burned alive, oh no, it’s much slower than that. He is BOILED alive in the fat of the bear suit, too drugged up to even move. He is basically being cooked, whilst still alive, and feeling everything. He can’t even scream out his pain, he’s trapped in his own body as well as the bears, because of the drugs. I forgot which video I saw that really described how gruesome his death was, but it was eye opening. No one deserves to die like that. Sure he was an ass, but that is one of the most terrifying ways to go, and he didn’t deserve that kind of pain(honestly that goes for all of the friends that died, cause they all died gruesomely slowly. I don’t think I remember any of the deaths being quick.)

[@bestduelistever2374]

Exactly what I was thinking as I watched that. I seriously can't imagine going through the last moments of Christian's life. Drugged to the state of paralyzation, watching the last person that can help you fall deeper into madness, the regret, helplessness, and utter despair he must have felt.. Knowing that your death will only feed this insane cult more and then having to suffer for such a long time burning alive? It sounds unreal.

[@Anna-ik8nn]

NOT TO MENTION HE WAS RAPED JUST BEFORE THAT

[@mariama1735]

i agree wholeheartedly. i think the only one who went quick was josh, i believe he was dead by the time the members of the commune knocked him out.

[@nitasharocks6]

I agree, this was one of the things that stuck with me the most after watching the movie. The look on Christian's face as he just sits there about to be burned alive haunts me even a month after seeing the film

[@legendsLLC]

I don’t get why people feel satisfied after Christian dies it makes no sense because he suffered so much I felt pissed off at the end and the fact that Christian couldn’t even scream from the pain because he’s so drugged up is so sad

[@ally_defrates]

I never thought Midsommar had a happy ending. I felt exhausted and scarred by the end of it. I was glad the movie had ended, but it still horrified me that Dani never escaped and that everyone else died.

[@hellaspoicey2280]

@Alicia DeFrates An astute observation Daria, would anyone else in the class like to answer? Kevin, do you believe that message of this film was to show how even smart and generally good people can be susceptible to psychological manipulation, especially those who are experiencing trauma as well as depression and loneliness which allows them to be emotionally manipulated into believing being together in a cult is better than being alone and free. Did you learn about the price of freedom, Kevin? Did you learn about human nature and a need to belong that drives our social behavior, sometimes for the worse, and especially so in cases in which were you give up your own moral compass to the collective, ensuring that you'll partake in atrocities for some "greater good". A "greater good" that is a fiction made up to preserve the facade. Did you learn that this "greater good" serves to compartmentalize and justify acts of cruelty and atrocity against humanity. And that giving over one's individualism in exchange for a cathartic feeling of belonging to restore one's self worth is shallow and will lead you down a path of no return. And to preserve these shallow and cathartic bonds and beliefs, your own intelligence will betray you to preserve your ego. Your intellect, reasoning, critical and deductive thinking abilities will now serve a new cause not of your own creation. Your intelligence will now protect your new sense of well being, which is the cult. And your ego will prevent you from seeing the cosmic irony that is now your life. What was your take away, Kevin? Kevin - " Geez Mr. Dimartino, what do I look like? Some kind of brain? " Mr. D - " BRITTANY, since Kevin can't even seem to be bothered to string together even A SINGLE COHERENT sentence on the subject, would you instead CARE to elaborate, BRITTANY? " Brittany - " Well gee Mr. D, that boyfriend of hers suuuure was awful, he reminds me of Kevy when he forgets our anniversary! (insert pouty face) So I think it was, like, a happy ending since she like, got away from him because he like, died and whatever. And plus she got to be the may queen which is kinda like a prom queen right Mr. D? And she's got a new big happy family (insert the highest pitched teen girl squeak). Just like Ashley-Amber. So it's, like, a happy ending or whatever. Like THE WIZARD OF OZ! (squeak squeak squeak) Or Cinderella, it's, like, a happily ever after or something? " Mr. D - After school - ( Reaches in desk ) * *gun barrel feels cold against temple* * Tl;dr - I like your profile pic. Quality reference Alicia, and a neat observation as well.

[@nevaehlopez6499]

@@hellaspoicey2280 wow u have no life do u

[@HerbalEngineering]

@@nevaehlopez6499 Well to be fair, everyone is guilty of writing a passionate 5 paragraph essay youtube comment at some point or another and then cringing at the fact they took time out of their lives to do it lol!

[@klaudinegarcia8932]

Same!! I never knew people thought the ending was a happy one. Until I read the comments here 😐....

[@gleewhoseline198]

Yeah, it's clearly not meant to be happy. Ari Aster said he was going for 'toxic catharsis' with Dani's smile at the end. She may feel 'a jot known only by the insane' but we the audience know what has actually happened. Aster succeeded tenfold definately.

[@chels1668]

This commentary is the best one I’ve seen!!!! Thank you for this thorough review!

[@thewatcher6510]

The visual and sound editing in this video is really really good, fantastic job.

[@lodden1119]

She's not smiling because she's happy. She smiles because she's hysterical.

[@spicefox7779]

I think she is happy, but happy because she has gone insane from the chaos around her and has surrendered to the cult.

[@ajaku]

It feels like a defeat.

[@davidnahorney3560]

Jouissance. I personally hated the smile, but the song is absolutely perfect.

[@joslyncampbell6851]

not what being hysterical means

[@lodden1119]

@@joslyncampbell6851 the dictionary would disagree: irrational from fear, emotion, or an emotional shock.

[@BrilliantBenGaming]

This movie required at least 10 episodes of The Office to calm down

[@calvinzhobbes1977]

I havent seen this movie...even the comments weirding me out. But your one comment was like the 10 episodes of The Office. lol..and Im leaving now

[@zoeywelter7114]

Lmao I had the office playing on the tv in the background while I watched this movie on my laptop

[@pandagirl432]

Haven't even seen that but from what I read about it I can affirm that

[@panicqueen4295]

I haven't even seen the movie yet and I'm extremely shaken up by just this video .

[@panicqueen4295]

@Felipe Gomes it’s not like he showed the whole movie in this. What do you care anyway?

[@traemitchell8744]

This really gave me chills. It put into words what I've been pondering about my experience IN ADDITION to explaining what the f*ck I just watched. I love how you apply this film and your commentary of it to real life experience. This is definitely something that I will take with me and reflect on for sometime!

[@miha6492]

I’m so glad to see so many people in the comments be confused about how people smiled and how people thought this was a good ending. I was so worried for a moment there.

[@HGFCVNC]

I was seconds away from typing the same thing, were we all watching different movies , I disagreed with all those remarks about happy ending

[@coyotepeyote]

I thought her smiling at the end was meant to be unnerving, like all this horrible stuff has happened but they've so thoroughly managed to groom her into their society that she's not just happy, but manaically so.

[@gryotharian]

That’s exactly right

[@PurpleSpiderwebs]

Yeah, if you are brainwashed then your happiness is fake so is she really free? She is blind to the reality and truth of what has actually happened

[@nahomy3249]

Same I saw it as she was evil now. She was happy she killed her cheating neglectful boyfriend

[@sapphirec_5689]

I was so shook

[@henloworld514]

it is

[@ButiLao44]

"why do we smile at the end of midsommar?" me: let me stop you right there-

[@juliee593]

Yeah same me and my bf were like "phew this shit is over at least"

[@vivianavazquez9110]

@@juliee593 Bro for real LMAO

[@spaceandust]

like baby who’s we

[@SaxandRelax]

Can’t relate

[@diegotlamantli]

Lol, I thought the same thing. "Why do we smile?" - Ok, first of all, I shrugged my face the whole movie so...

[@shrimpscampin]

The music put me on edge so much I felt like I was watching a horror movie The shift to the organ music and the long pauses of silence after the constant anxiety inducing horror soundtrack is like an oasis

[@emeryeckman7097]

I’ve been looking for an analysis about this movie to find what the behind it all was and this was extremely helpful, I feel like the times I doubted the community and the times I embraced them makes for sense now. Excellent video

[@thatgaiagirl6788]

The smile at the end of that movie legitimately terrified me. That was the scariest thing in this movie: that smile made my stomach drop. It showed how completely detached she was, that she’d been assimilated (basically). Peak Psychological Horror

[@sungod9797]

Yeah it makes me want to throw up... how did people say that it was a “genuine smile” and a happy ending like wtf

[@newta5208]

*insert debby ryan smile in radio rebel*

[@justayoutubecommentator3059]

@@sungod9797 agreed

[@solisgloria74]

Same...I didn't smile or cheer her on.

[@mikielsahagun6054]

I felt that too but with the others not really her friends and her boyfriend not really her boyfriend I guess I would smile if I survived that ordeal and they didn't: ya it's sociopathic stuff but I like it.