Midsommar movie: Which festival inspired the beautiful nightmare?
By Sandy C.
Like most work of fiction, Midsommar is inspired by an actual event. Except in this case, both reality and fiction couldn’t be more different.
Ari Aster’s hauntingly beautiful movie, Midsommar, is in theaters worldwide tomorrow, July 3. It is packed with breathtaking imagery and shockingly disturbing moments. The movie follows Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor), a couple on the verge of a breakup, only still together due to a recent tragedy.
The couple and a few friends go to Sweden to participate and learn more about a festival that is held every 90 years. In an instant, the celebrations go from alluring to an amplified nightmare. Are Midsommar festivals real? And if so, what happens and how are they celebrated?
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Please note: Spoilers ahead if you have yet to watch Midsommar in theaters.
There really is a Midsummer festival, but it doesn’t take place every 90 years and no human sacrifices are required! The annual Swedish celebration takes place between June 20 and June 25.
It is also observed in other northern European countries, but in Sweden people gather at the countryside to celebrate among the flowers and meadows. The festival is all about welcoming the summer season and feasting on delicious food and drinks. The cross/maypole heavily featured in the movie is also very real, it symbolizes fertility and unity.
Participants also make flower wreaths, dance, and sit around bonfires. People of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. It actually sounds lovely and very therapeutic, especially for couples and families. Unfortunately, that’s not what the couple in Midsommar go through.
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Have you been to a midsummer festival? Tell us about it! And if you haven’t, would you like to go to one someday?
Midsommar is in theaters worldwide July 3.