Midsommar

      Written and directed by Ari Aster, this is his follow up to last year's terrific horror film, "Hereditary". This film too is being billed as a horror film but don't be fooled, it's not. Yes, there are some horrific elements and graphic scenes but the film is just a silly mess.

       The film stars Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, and Will Poulter as students who follow their Swedish friend Pelle (played by Vilhelm Blomgren) back to Sweden to experience a once every ninety year summer festival. Ms. Pugh's character Dani is getting over a horrible personal tragedy and her boyfriend Christian (Mr. Reynor) ends up reluctantly inviting her on the trip. Once they arrive at the remote makeshift village, you just know things are not going to end well.

       Mr. Aster builds his suspense very slowly and as the film progresses, graphic violent moments inter-cut the idyllic setting. The film runs almost two and a half hours and is in serious need of editing. It is a tedious slow build to a ridiculous payoff. The population of the village appear to be ad libbing the silly songs, dances and rituals built around their "festival". It's pretty clear from the start, these people are part of a crazed cult who's intentions are far from friendly.

         Save your money and your time by watching  "The Wicker Man" instead. This is an obvious variation on the same theme and "Wicker" is a far superior film. Mr. Aster is definitely a filmmaker to watch but this is a step backwards.