Midsommar | Movie Review | MovieBitches Ep 223

[@masonabernathy471]

Conspiracy theory that the director is a drag race fan: Hereditary: Alyssa Edward’s tongue pop and “get those nuts away from my face” Midsommar: Ginger’s bear costume, “is she gonna jump from there” and Vanjie’s shapeless flower dress at the end

[@tobybailey1164]

Mason Abernathy the most under appreciated comment ever

[@mariellas7369]

this comment gets it

[@masonabernathy471]

Toby Bailey hahah thanks when I was watching them in the theater with my friends we were just laughing a majority of the time and at the end of midsommar we were just screaming miss vanjie

[@hernalexito]

Omg yass 💅🏽

[@remoxxi2617]

ahhahahaha I cant!!!!

[@JaymesMansfield]

I love that we all collectively decided his name is Eyebrows

[@ryansmith9626]

Can we discuss the line where the Swedish cult member came into the barn after they arrived and just told them that the children were watching Austin Powers if anyone wanted to join.

[@missundies]

I'm from Sweden and I enjoy Austin powers lol. They came out when I was a kid so maybe that's why.

[@joshregitz]

“As long as people are still having promiscuous sex with many anonymous partners while at the same time experimenting with mind-expanding drugs in a consequence-free environment, I’ll be sound as a pound!” - Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

[@maddielopez8625]

Lmao I remember watching the movie I was like you should definitely just go watch Austin Powers y’all 😂

[@lauraa.w.7090]

The stuff about the ribs being pulled apart and the lungs exposed stems from an alleged old Norse method of execution called the Blood Eagle.

[@lusomarga]

A professor in old Norse religion from my university was a consultant on this movie. They asked him if he could contribute with some creepy old Norse stuff and the blood eagle was his contribution. He also made some recommendations on the village house interiors.

[@oggyboggy8692]

@@lusomarga That's sick.

[@taraselly3831]

Omg I can't believe you convinced Andrew to see this 😂

[@RLanceHunter]

I was literally about to say this as soon as I saw this pop up on Patreon.

[@shockingfish]

When will you do a series review of 'Schitt's Creek' - I want to see you both in a range of ‘Moira Rose’ inspired wigs while reviewing each episode.

[@tld91]

Paul Maxwell I have all the time in the world for this idea!

[@jaso4455]

MovieBitches really out here spoiling us with all these early access videos

[@iain9757]

Canadian Bacon also 4 in the past week super yay

[@linnea4005]

I'm swedish and went to see this in the theatre where I live and I'm telling you, we were LAUGHINg. To me this movie really succeeded in being parody of swedish culture in a way and though it felt like a very serious movie I really saw it as a comedy as well. Like I died at the death bingo scene and cannot imagine that being supposed to be serious... I also fully loved when this movie was making us realize that it actually kinda was set in the real world with short things like mentioning "the kids are watching austin powers" and just a tube of Kalles Kaviar (v popular swedish thingy) lying on the table, and that's what I think the leg brace was supposed to be. A reminder that these were just a group of really insane people actually living in real life, and not some fantasy.

[@oggyboggy8692]

True! A reminder that cults aren't only a thing in creepy horror stories or true crime videos, they're very real and can draw in anyone.

[@timothystrathman9227]

I thought this one of the realest portrayals of toxic relationships, anxiety and grief

[@pinkfoundglory]

I agree, thought the themes were very well done.

[@aquariaaaa]

Absolutely, you can definitely tell that the movie is heavily influenced by the feelings Aster had at the time of writing (he was going through a break up)

[@oggyboggy8692]

@@aquariaaaa Damn. Imagine your ex dedicating a movie like Midsommar to you.

[@mishiara5499]

"Go to Sweden - they won't murder you!" Best ad for my country ever hahahaha

[@ryansmith9626]

Haha the best part was the Bear in the Cage commerical was totally real and A24 was actually selling them on their website.

[@themalcontent298]

A 24 has the sense of humor that I love and I ride hard for them because of it.

[@obycoate]

Av really hit the nail on the head with “It was so violent I laughed”

[@brawnylilyspark]

Ok but why does Avaryl’s hair look extra beautiful today 😍?

[@cecelia996]

I can't believe you got Andrew to see this. Also the director said that they do a variation of this ritual every year by bringing in locals to mate with so they aren't all incesty but this ritual is done every what 90 years

[@DrGregoryHouseIT]

Only the finale though. The rest Is yearly.

[@lgbtorion]

Cecelia Mabee this was literally said in the movie

[@ivanramos5689]

THE MOVIE REVIEW THAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SUMMER!!!! Edit: When u get a ❤️ from MovieBitches, u feel like u matter

[@bhamgatsby]

I mean this director is a genius..... it is worth seeing for just seeing his work alone. The camera angles, the look & feel of everything, the score & acting oh my!! The long wide shots like at the beginning of her parents house!! Stunning!!!

[@frederikkymartin]

The taking the lungs out is an old ritual from skaldic (viking) times, it's called the blood eagle and used to be a way of execution

[@nailbunny2326]

I REALLY think that there was no murder/suicide. Her sister and parents were murdered by their friend that brought them to the festival. He had his eyes on her, knew a lot about her sister's condition through her boyfriend and set it up so she would be isolated and come with them on the trip. End theory.

[@hernalexito]

I liked all the paintings and drawings pretty much tell them what’s going to happen and they stay anyway. It was more DISTURBING than horror to me

[@nathanwackett7625]

i REALLY enjoy ari aster’s films, but i’m so glad I love you guys enough to hear you point out how utterly wacky they can be so I can get a fresh perspective!

[@Jenova12]

I think it’s implied that the boyfriend was high off his mind when he was sewn into the bear suit.

[@MeganSin]

Andrew saying skol! 🤣🤣🤣 also some fun facts I read about this after this review the first time, this was actually supposed to ari’s first horror movie. Hereditary was just supposed to be a family drama and I think that’s why this isn’t as great. Also apparently the director’s cut is close to 3 hrs 😫 also the bear suit is kinda like nic cage’s in the wicker man which has similar themes.

[@meridzs]

god this movie really left me feeling some type of way. it was strangely beautiful and (unintentionally) funny. i didn't really see it as a horror movie, i felt like it was a fun uplifting movie with some thriller elements 😂 the lead actress' performance was amazing! i was so excited to see this review on my feed. also you guys doing a spoiler alert After you've already spoiled somethings 😂

[@__ZANE__]

If Dani lets Christian live, he would constantly be trying to get her to leave with him. Or, if he got out, he would likely rat out all the deaths to the police, and get the whole cult in trouble. So, I believe in those moments of decision, she ultimately chose to protect her new family (her only source of emotional freedom) by eliminating the last person who could have taken it all away. Also, if Dani were to let Christian live, i'm sure she had figured out by then that it would likely mean both of their eventual deaths. So, that's why, at the end, her decision was to take the lesser of two evils. At least she could live, and be surrounded by the support that she so desperately craved, and needed.

[@DrGregoryHouseIT]

There's the suggestion the festival Is gonna end with her sacrifice as well though...

[@__ZANE__]

@Gregory House Could be, but Dani at least has to try to act like she's one of them. There would be no over powering the entire cult, and escaping, so she made the logical choice to at least bide her time.

[@kvn365]

Shoutout to winc for supporting you guys.

[@mariellas7369]

I love Ari Aster's movies, but I am offended by his use of a naked elderly body as a scare tactic. Way to body shame senior citizens, Aster. #freetheagednipple

[@NiklasBlaAndersson]

As a swede I want to invite you to celebrate Midsommar here in sweden. ... It's . fun.

[@DianaAmericaRivero]

Fish, aquavit, and random sex - IT'S AH-MAZING.

[@KnownbyKnowOne]

the influx of reviews has me SHOOK drag race is SHAKING in her boot

[@annarose932]

This is perhaps a bit of a strange choice, but could you review the musicals from Starkids? Would be so interesting to hear your opinions and I think it would be a good match as the humour seems appealing to you guys.

[@carveylover]

Some one needed to take that girl by hand and just look into her eyes and say," Girl, GET OOOOOOUUUUUTTTTT you are in cult. The cultiest of cults. Leave. Leave now and never look back. When you think you have gone far enough go further!" I would say in the immortal words of Karen and Georgia from My Favorite Murder, " Here is a quarter. Call your parents,You're in a cult." But that would be realy awkward no.

[@gordonhowie4007]

Rachel Frumkin my exact thoughts, too! She clearly isn’t a Fabulous Cunterino 😂

[@justinjopp4915]

As a rabid fan of horror movies I am beyond happy you guys have been reviewing more horror.. Don't get me wrong I LOVE all your reviews but also yaaaaaassss to horror! The horror.... The horror...

[@Farvalseda]

As a swedish person, this makes me happy

[@Allonsy305]

I think the point is the emotions felt during the whole insanity. Like the movie is a big metaphor for a bad break up (getting rid of him and his shitty friends)

[@jessicaisthebestlol]

OH MY YES I NOTICED THE ANKLE BRACE AS WELL. No one has talked about it !!!! Was thinking exactly the same thing!

[@mariellas7369]

Who had the ankle brace? What scene? Damn I have to go see it again

[@jessicaisthebestlol]

Mariella Story it took a second watching to make sure i wasn’t making it up! its in the scene where after Dani’s mayqueen and has to ride in the carriage. One the girls who helps her has it (once you notice it you can’t ignore it)

[@louiegagner4186]

When I went to watch this movie with my friend, he told me that apparently Ari aster was going through a breakup when writing this script. It’s kind of interesting to look back at the movie with that in mind

[@TexBirdie]

When i saw the brace, I thought that it showed that they can go out to get medical attention & come back - a reminder that they can leave like Rumspringa but that the locals have the power to leave - go to college & get people & come visit, etc while the guests cannot leave.

[@dbagette]

I'd be so for Ari Aster's An Awkward Party! I'll be like "This is a documentary about how I feel at parties, right?"

[@samuelcroft3478]

I didn´t like this quite as much as I liked Hereditary, and I agree with some of your criticisms, but I think that overexplaining every last plot point is a terrible idea, particularly in a horror movie.

[@GiselTube]

The whole lungs thing they did on Simon is the 'Blood Eagle', a ritualized method of execution detailed in late skaldic poetry. They also featured it in the series, Vikings.

[@thomasgalibert4730]

I feel like the characters were not likable on purpose because *spoilers* by the end when she decides to sacrifice her boyfriend I was thinking: "well he's an asshole, he cheated on her with a teenager, he can't talk, he can't move, their relationship can't come back from that, so I guess she should kill him??".

[@JamesBbhere]

Initially I thought this film was way way too long, but when I sat at home thinking and thinking about it I found myself enjoying it a lot more with retrospect. And dare I say I... kinda looking forward to the 3.5 hour directors cut ahahah

[@atinnieowl]

Danish girl here - I just have to say that the pic of Avaryl with a Breezer is the best thing I have ever seen!!

[@Cha_Cha_Chai]

Sooooo you definitely gave Andrew trust issues after dragging him to this.

[@heyitmedaisy]

Monty Python, Freaks, Seven wives, Wet Hot American Summer and Mommie dearest?! Avaryl's taste in film is perfection!

[@smericano7241]

oh the lung death is called the blood eagle and is an ancient scandinavian ritual sacrifice. not sure of the true meaning of it but people think it's meant to be a sacrifice to Odin.... still gross tho

[@annarose932]

Could you review The Princess Bride please, I watched it for the first time yesturday on Netflix as I want to try to broaden my tastes in film genres and older films (because I kept hearing the title and references about it from KZbinrs I watch) and I wasn't expecting how funny and campy it was. Would he really intrigued what you both think.

[@limetreess]

Anna Rose that is just a timeless classic, everyone agrees

[@DianaAmericaRivero]

Unpopular opinion: I did not care for The Princess Bride.

[@TheJDbest]

What i loved about midsommar was how the community just did not give a flying f about death. That's to me one of the reasons they highlight the murder suicide so much, as she goes so 180 by being made numb to death (something cults often try to do). I think that is why they didn't show fear in his eyes while he burned, although there's always the danger of reading too much into things.

[@AnnaWagner425]

I know this is older, but SERIOUSLY watch the director's cut. It explains so much.

[@madeleinechestnut1133]

THEY ACTUALLY DID IT THANK GOD

[@micheleoij7595]

IM YELLING AVARYL REALLY DRAGGED ANDREW TO THIS MOVIE SHHSJWHHS

[@wardoise]

you ladies NAILED my opinion of this movie. i wish the theme of horror in the daytime was the main theme of midsommar, just like how i wish the miniatures were a larger visual/storytelling theme in hereditary.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Finally watched it. I completely agree that it lost steam in the middle. Felt like the director left his audience behind.

[@sjokomelk]

Skåååål! Välkommen till Movie Bitches! :-D

[@missundies]

Haha, tack!

[@sjokomelk]

Karolin S Ingen årsak! Er norsk, så det var kanskje ikke helt riktig 😂

[@mirandahunt185]

moira rosa reference within 1 minute ... i love

[@bboo1688]

I just finished binging Schitts Creek and I need y'all do a review with Dan Levy.

[@aquariaaaa]

I feel, for me at least, I get a bigger appreciation for Aster's movies when I research the details of the movie after watching them. There are so many cool hidden details in midsommar which are super easy to miss if you just pay attention to the actors. Like for example you can see the sister's head with the tube in it "recreated" in the leaves and bushes in the background when Dani is carried after being crowned May Queen. And the reason the cult girl says "I'll show you" to Will Poulter's character is because he earlier in the movie when the children are playing skin the fool he asks "what's that?" (And when she "shows him" what it is, she skins him. He's the fool that gets skinned). And every death has a connection to the character that is murdered. And like knowing that Simon was breathing when he's hanging blood eagle style in the barn just makes it so much more gruesome. Also the reason Dani's clothes are so baggy and awful at the beginning of the movie is to reflect that she doesn't fit in, but when she gets the dress/robe at the cult it fits perfectly (which is another foreshadowing to the fact that she ends up joining bc she finally feels like she belongs somewhere) For me the movies aren't scary when I watch them but they stick with me and I feel a need to know more and learn more.

[@vtekmonstah]

This movie was so weird and I'm glad my movie parents are here to talk me through it

[@annarose932]

A review on Mean Girls perhaps 😌 (even though I have yet to watch it despite being eighteen and have spoiler myself by watching clips & reading about the plot... 😞) and also Spirited Away would be a interesting review.

[@meghanburke5764]

there's a good chance that Avaryl has already seen this, but 10/10 would recommend Into the West if you like Gabriel Byrne and mystical horses in tiny apartments, I had to watch if for my Irish Lit class and was shocked to find out he was the dad from hereditary anyways love your hair hope you win

[@Laurenjoinsyoutube]

I can't explain how much I hated the look of he bf. it looked like a grown toddler somehow. his arms made me uncomfortable and looking at him creeped me out. idk why he was giving me that weird feeling but it was not sitting right with me

[@RyanGraubner]

I only just saw this movie the other day and was wondering if you two (Andrew especially) would subject yourself to this madness. The sex scene legitimately upset me the most in a way that i don't remember a movie managing to do to me since Requiem For a Dream. Everyone in the audience was laughing at it, I really hope that it was just due to the absurdity and how over the top it was. At one point my friend leaned over to me and asked "What the fuck kind of movie have you gotten me into?". Good times.

[@d.whitman7708]

I love when they do horror movies

[@annarose932]

May I recommend you watch a animation film called Ethel & Ernest. Its a animation film from 2016 starring Jim Broadbent & Brenda Blethyn which is from the book by Raynond Riggs, the same artist who created the Christmas classic The Snowman and We're Going On A Bear Hunt. A really heartfelt film, think Carl and Ellie's relationship from Up bit as a fully movie.

[@Sabrinachic45]

I took issue with the fact that her sister having bipolar disorder was used simply as a device to shock the audience. If you're going to imply an inherent link between bipolar disorder and violent homicide (which there is not), and risk further stigmatizing it, then at least develop that HEREDITARY theme. Instead, it was used to give her character trauma, which could have been accomplished in a thousand different ways! Disability as a plot device, without commentary, feels tone deaf in our current climate.

[@hocuspocus111]

want to watch this but also want to watch the film

[@MeganSin]

Also so this has nothing to do with this movie but I just wanted your reaction to this. I saw Jamie bell on cordon the other day and the other guest was Margaret Qualley and were talking about tap dancing since she just played Ann reinking and then Jamie did some tap. Would it be amazing if he and Tom Holland did a movie where they played dancing brothers? Because they both look alike and both did billy Elliot. I want to see that movie!

[@weowser]

Me: *was too terrified of Midsommar to watch so I decided to read the synopsis instead, still TERRIFIED* Moviebitches: *reviews Midsommar* Me: and I OOP-

[@FancyAlly]

#QuasimodoFingerPainting 🤣🤣 But yes I agree this is definitely a movie that’s a better experience in a theater.

[@katwebbxo]

Just watched this movie the other night and I loved it. I'm surprised you guys didn't enjoy watching it but then again I'm obsessed with these kind of movies. I'm really excited to watch the director's cut. I agree that the characters weren't really likeable but at least Dani and Josh were tolerable in my opinion. The boyfriend and eyebrows guy not so much lol.

[@Laurenjoinsyoutube]

the way Andrew says the wine pitch with out blinking every video is the only thing I can notice now. and since im binge watching these videos tonight its stuck in my head

[@roseghould]

Andrew: His movies are too serious and not campy enough for me …Boy do I have news for you

[@rotciv1486]

I kind of liked this movie?? don't get me wrong, I love a good old fashion horror movie, but I enjoyed the novelty of Middsommar. It takes balls to make a whole ass horror in broad daylight. and it was just interesting to watch, every frame was so meticulous. I'm not a big movie guy, so this felt really fresh to me.

[@melissaedwards8936]

Omg you have NOTHING BUT TROUBLE on VHS just chillen there ? Ahhhhhh I thought I was the only person on earth who loves that movie haha 🙌

[@melissaedwards8936]

And I see Dick Tracy!!!!

[@MartinKronstrom]

The viewfinder on their camera was all zebraed.

[@sophieeula]

I just saw this movie (3 hours is too long i feel that) BUT i disagree on your overall opinions, which is odd b c usually im on the same page. but then again im a SUCKER for pretentious WEIRD horror ish movies

[@skjumpers]

If you enjoy a slow burn horror film you should check out The Witch!

[@RR-qz3zg]

I understand Andrews point with his movies always leaving questions in the air, but I think that it’s necessary to suspend logic and not give an explanation to everything, to add to the horror of what’s actually going on. It makes it scarier not knowing what everything means, and since it’s from the point of view of the characters who also don’t know all the details about what is happening, we only see what they see/know.

[@laureneras9523]

I went to Stockholm during the winter sooooo if I slept outside I would have died but it was bizarre the sun setting at 2pm! Also I saw Rocky Horror Picture cuz they were honoring Susan Sarandon for something and I made friends with a group of gay Swedes...tots would have joined their cult if they asked me...they seemed nice

[@iliveinsnookispoof]

What are both of yall's top 10 favorite movies? I'm dying to know

[@backseat-of-the-audience]

the ending sequence is so beautiful

[@KimberlySchwartz1]

You guys should watch the director’s cut! It adds so much more to this movie. I really liked it on its own, but it was MADE to be the director’s cut

[@fll7181]

Just watched it. Threw out my theory about 30mins in, and my bf confirmed I was almost entirely correct. I want my time back on this long-ass movie that had the gruesome scene involving a black man. Not necessary. My time back, immediately.

[@nicoledenel]

Misery and Shawshank Redemption retro reviews!

[@danderson8431]

I just saw the Extended Edition Director’s Cut, and it was over 3 hours long! BIG MISTAKE!!!!!

[@omarmagana773]

The white balance would’ve been a nightmare on this movie. Nightmare. M I D S O M M A R

[@starberrycupcake]

Since this movie didn't scare me in the least (I liked it, though), I was like "hey, why not watch this review at 2 am" and then Avaryl mentioned Freaks and showed a clip and I had no better idea than to further look it up and now I'm haunted by the hen lady of 1932. I love when you guys introduce me to new cult classics but damn I wish I had seen this in the daylight...or, maybe, judging by Midsommar, it's all the same lol

[@dreadstheheart]

Lmao he truly is that guy with the eyebrows

[@aquariaaaa]

Idk if you've seen it but there's a deleted scene which was actually supposed to be the start of the movie where Christian is in the bear (just like in the end of the movie) and he's like "well I bet you're wondering how I ended up here" and it's actually hilarious and shows more of that A24 humour

[@americooms5189]

Haven’t watched this but it was giving me wicker man/ the Beach vives which I hated both so I avoided this one 🙅🏻‍♂️

[@JeffTheWizard]

I really think you missed the point of the movie a bit. Its not a cult. It's about not ignoring your emotions. It's very recognisable.. her bf and friends keep pushing her feelings away and don't want to deal with the ugly, raw, uncomfortable emotions. She has to. I think this movie is incredibly powerful and too real almost..

[@lordwalker71]

tweet Dan Levy he would probably make it happen.

[@fakebrainclub]

I went into Hereditary completely blind and was so stressed out the entire time, I couldn't really enjoy it. But since I knew what to expect w Ari Aster this time, I could just have fun. I'm glad I wasn't stoned, though.

[@themalcontent298]

I just watched this on Saturday! I like folk horror and enjoyed it. I actually thought it could be funny at times, with the weird breathing and the bear.

[@andymorris6329]

The only thing I really enjoyed about this (after enjoying Hereditary loads), was the full Ikea ad which played directly before the film in the theatre.

[@Laurenjoinsyoutube]

I personally hate when characters in movie are told not to touch or go somewhere and they do it anyway. I’m like you get what’s coming

[@harpiartemis]

My theory watching was the whole thing was to generate two children... So every year there is two new kids... That's why there were two 72 people

[@ukoowkolli4905]

Bad for swedish tourism. Makes sense that it was not shot there.

[@TheFloon]

Omg, I was just waiting for you guys to talk about the sex scene with the pushing and you never did!

[@petragustafsson799]

Some of your Moira pronunciations of Midsommar wasn’t that far off of how you actually pronounce Midsommar in Swedish. Clearly you don’t need Rosetta Stone, only Catherine O’Hara!

[@Pupeyes]

The more I think of this movie the more frustrating Dani becomes. Honestly it’s all her fault. She came to many forks on the road where she had the ability to make a choice to walk away and she would continue to accept the situation cause she couldn’t let go. The she chooses the bf in the end!? That was bullshit. I was pissed at her. You gotta think about it. It was her fault. She kept putting herself in the wrong situations cause she was needy AF. Honestly, the bf tried and he wasn’t all that bad. BTW, the male rape scene with the chanting naked ladies was amazing. And that Swedish guy totally recruited her.