What’s up, Wisecrack? HOST again. Director Ari Aster stunned and delighted horror fans
What’s up, Wisecrack? HOST again. Director Ari Aster stunned and delighted horror fans

with his 2018 familial horror film Hereditary, so expectations for his followup were understandably
with his 2018 familial horror film Hereditary, so expectations for his followup were understandably

high.
high.

And according to contemporary horror king Jordan Peele, Aster more than met those expectations,
And according to contemporary horror king Jordan Peele, Aster more than met those expectations,

creating quote “the most idyllic horror film of all time.” Now, Peele enjoys his
creating quote “the most idyllic horror film of all time.” Now, Peele enjoys his

horror films served with a healthy side of social commentary and deep meaning, as we’ve
horror films served with a healthy side of social commentary and deep meaning, as we’ve

covered in our videos on Get Out and Us. So his response got us thinking… Is there something
covered in our videos on Get Out and Us. So his response got us thinking… Is there something

meaningful going on in this gnarly vision of the Swedish countryside? Or is it all bear
meaningful going on in this gnarly vision of the Swedish countryside? Or is it all bear

carcasses and no substance?
carcasses and no substance?

Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition on Midsommar or Mid-summer? I’m just gonna
Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition on Midsommar or Mid-summer? I’m just gonna

call it Midsommar: Deep or Dumb? And, as always, spoilers ahead.
call it Midsommar: Deep or Dumb? And, as always, spoilers ahead.

But, before we get into it, I wanna give a shoutout to Skillshare. Skillshare is an online
But, before we get into it, I wanna give a shoutout to Skillshare. Skillshare is an online

learning community with thousands of classes covering tons of creative and entrepreneurial
learning community with thousands of classes covering tons of creative and entrepreneurial

skills. I’m always happiest when I’m learning and developing new skills so Skillshare is
skills. I’m always happiest when I’m learning and developing new skills so Skillshare is

a great way to ensure that I continue to grow and keep myself stimulated. If you’re like
a great way to ensure that I continue to grow and keep myself stimulated. If you’re like

me, and find writing to be really rewarding, then I recommend taking Susan Orlean’s class
me, and find writing to be really rewarding, then I recommend taking Susan Orlean’s class

“Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style.” She covers a lot of things that have been
“Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style.” She covers a lot of things that have been

helpful to us as a brand that makes nonfiction content, especially as we branch into articles
helpful to us as a brand that makes nonfiction content, especially as we branch into articles

with our Medium page. From dealing with expert opinions to crafting the structure of your
with our Medium page. From dealing with expert opinions to crafting the structure of your

piece, Susan’s class is a really inspiring look at the creative process of a prolific
piece, Susan’s class is a really inspiring look at the creative process of a prolific

and celebrated writer.
and celebrated writer.

With Skillshare you can get access to classes online in the comfort of your own home, so
With Skillshare you can get access to classes online in the comfort of your own home, so

you can learn on your schedule. A premium membership gives you unlimited access, so
you can learn on your schedule. A premium membership gives you unlimited access, so

you can join the classes and communities that are right for you.
you can join the classes and communities that are right for you.

Skillshare is also affordable, especially compared to night classes or in person workshops.
Skillshare is also affordable, especially compared to night classes or in person workshops.

An annual subscription is less than $10 a month and you’ll never have to worry about
An annual subscription is less than $10 a month and you’ll never have to worry about

showing up late or forgetting to do the homework. So click the link in the description and get
showing up late or forgetting to do the homework. So click the link in the description and get

a 2 month free trial today. Now back to the show.
a 2 month free trial today. Now back to the show.

Alright let’s dive into a recap: Midsommar introduces us to twenty-something Dani and
Alright let’s dive into a recap: Midsommar introduces us to twenty-something Dani and

her douchey boyfriend Christian, who’s about to dump her. But when Dani’s sister kills
her douchey boyfriend Christian, who’s about to dump her. But when Dani’s sister kills

herself and her parents, Christian can’t exactly peace out. Motivated by guilt, he
herself and her parents, Christian can’t exactly peace out. Motivated by guilt, he

unenthusiastically invites her to tag along with him and his anthropology grad school
unenthusiastically invites her to tag along with him and his anthropology grad school

bros on a trip to Sweden for a special, once-every-96-years Midsommer festival. They arrive at an idyllic
bros on a trip to Sweden for a special, once-every-96-years Midsommer festival. They arrive at an idyllic

Swedish commune, and shit almost immediately gets weird. Two old people jump off a cliff
Swedish commune, and shit almost immediately gets weird. Two old people jump off a cliff

in a hari-kari-esque ritual, this chick puts a pube in Christian’s pie, and people dance
in a hari-kari-esque ritual, this chick puts a pube in Christian’s pie, and people dance

and moan while tripping balls. These British people are reasonably like, “we’re out”
and moan while tripping balls. These British people are reasonably like, “we’re out”

and promptly disappear.
and promptly disappear.

“Has anyone seen Connie?”
“Has anyone seen Connie?”

Things get progressively creepier and the grad school bros are subsequently killed one
Things get progressively creepier and the grad school bros are subsequently killed one

by one, in creatively horrifying fashion.
by one, in creatively horrifying fashion.

But things are going comparatively better for Dani, who wins an all-girls stoned dance
But things are going comparatively better for Dani, who wins an all-girls stoned dance

competition, gets crowned May Queen, and is celebrated by the whole community. Then, Christian
competition, gets crowned May Queen, and is celebrated by the whole community. Then, Christian

gets roped into a weird sex ritual that Dani sees through a keyhole. But she doesn’t
gets roped into a weird sex ritual that Dani sees through a keyhole. But she doesn’t

have long to mope because there’s about to be a cool human sacrifice, and she gets
have long to mope because there’s about to be a cool human sacrifice, and she gets

to select the ninth person to be set on fire. She picks… you guessed it, Christian. Dani
to select the ninth person to be set on fire. She picks… you guessed it, Christian. Dani

smiles as he and his fellow sacrificial lamb-humans burn. The end.
smiles as he and his fellow sacrificial lamb-humans burn. The end.

To figure out if this film is deep or not, we first have to decipher Aster’s bloody
To figure out if this film is deep or not, we first have to decipher Aster’s bloody

depiction of a Midsummer festival. It’s important to note that this film is not overly
depiction of a Midsummer festival. It’s important to note that this film is not overly

concerned with total anthropological fidelity. Midsommer, though an iconic Swedish holiday,
concerned with total anthropological fidelity. Midsommer, though an iconic Swedish holiday,

is not a blood bath where grandpas jump off cliffs or hapless foreigners are put in funny
is not a blood bath where grandpas jump off cliffs or hapless foreigners are put in funny

hats and burned to a crisp. According to Po Tidholm, author of the book Celebrating the
hats and burned to a crisp. According to Po Tidholm, author of the book Celebrating the

Swedish Way:
Swedish Way:

He notes that it is:
He notes that it is:

and involves dancing around maypoles, decorating everything with ferns and plants, and visiting
and involves dancing around maypoles, decorating everything with ferns and plants, and visiting

holy springs.
holy springs.

As for that death ritual - Tidholm also clarifies that, to the best of his knowledge:
As for that death ritual - Tidholm also clarifies that, to the best of his knowledge:

And what about the weird sex stuff? That was completely the twisted brainchild of Aster.
And what about the weird sex stuff? That was completely the twisted brainchild of Aster.

However, baby making is a big part of Midsummer, which is why a lot of Swedes are born a square
However, baby making is a big part of Midsummer, which is why a lot of Swedes are born a square

9 months after the sexy solstice. Cool. And about those psychedelics... Apparently celebrating
9 months after the sexy solstice. Cool. And about those psychedelics... Apparently celebrating

Swedes are far more likely to get boozy than they are to trip balls. Duly noted.
Swedes are far more likely to get boozy than they are to trip balls. Duly noted.

But don’t go thinking that Aster made everything up during a particularly industrious acid
But don’t go thinking that Aster made everything up during a particularly industrious acid

trip. Dude did his homework, spending months researching and eventually drawing from Swedish
trip. Dude did his homework, spending months researching and eventually drawing from Swedish

traditions and folklore, as well as Norse mythology. Indeed, Harga is a real rural village,
traditions and folklore, as well as Norse mythology. Indeed, Harga is a real rural village,

and much of the film’s imagery is consistent with real Swedish Midsommar celebrations,
and much of the film’s imagery is consistent with real Swedish Midsommar celebrations,

complete with a maypole. Similarly, the somewhat creepy paintings on the barn walls are true
complete with a maypole. Similarly, the somewhat creepy paintings on the barn walls are true

to real agrarian Swedish societies. The crowning of the May Queen is also a thing, it just
to real agrarian Swedish societies. The crowning of the May Queen is also a thing, it just

typically occurs on May Day rather than Midsommar. People really do eat herring and wear flower
typically occurs on May Day rather than Midsommar. People really do eat herring and wear flower

wreaths. Aster also plucked other religious traditions, like the blessing of the crops,
wreaths. Aster also plucked other religious traditions, like the blessing of the crops,

from a famous 19th-century anthropological study by James George Frazer. These lighter
from a famous 19th-century anthropological study by James George Frazer. These lighter

details, all faithful to Swedish culture, are complicated by the film’s darker turns,
details, all faithful to Swedish culture, are complicated by the film’s darker turns,

but we’ll get to that later.
but we’ll get to that later.

Aster even went so far as to learn the Scandanavian runic alphabet, which was used to write Germanic
Aster even went so far as to learn the Scandanavian runic alphabet, which was used to write Germanic

languages in Northwestern Europe before the adaptation of the latin alphabet. He told
languages in Northwestern Europe before the adaptation of the latin alphabet. He told

The Ringer that every item of Harga clothing is decorated in specifically chosen runic
The Ringer that every item of Harga clothing is decorated in specifically chosen runic

symbols or a different hieroglyphic language they invented specifically for the film. A
symbols or a different hieroglyphic language they invented specifically for the film. A

notable example comes when Christian dons a white robe before entering the world’s
notable example comes when Christian dons a white robe before entering the world’s

weirdest fertility ceremony. The robe is decorated with the upwards arrow “Tiwaz” symbol,
weirdest fertility ceremony. The robe is decorated with the upwards arrow “Tiwaz” symbol,

associated with the Nordic god Tyr, who represents bravery, masculine energy and virility. Fittingly,
associated with the Nordic god Tyr, who represents bravery, masculine energy and virility. Fittingly,

Tyr sacrifices his arm to save the world, which is appropriate for a dude whose about
Tyr sacrifices his arm to save the world, which is appropriate for a dude whose about

to be, well, sacrificed. Dani, in contrast, has two runes on her dress that showcase her
to be, well, sacrificed. Dani, in contrast, has two runes on her dress that showcase her

character’s duality- an R-shaped Raido, which symbolizes “journey” and an hourglass
character’s duality- an R-shaped Raido, which symbolizes “journey” and an hourglass

shaped Dagaz rune, which could mean “new beginning” or “loss of hope.” Both symbols
shaped Dagaz rune, which could mean “new beginning” or “loss of hope.” Both symbols

are up for interpretation, but each feel relevant to Dani’s journey.
are up for interpretation, but each feel relevant to Dani’s journey.

As far as the death stuff goes, Aster was likely inspired by long-debated Viking mythology
As far as the death stuff goes, Aster was likely inspired by long-debated Viking mythology

and folklore. Certain written and visual accounts from the prehistoric Viking period depict
and folklore. Certain written and visual accounts from the prehistoric Viking period depict

sacrifices of horses, dogs, birds and, yes, humans, which apparently occurred every nine
sacrifices of horses, dogs, birds and, yes, humans, which apparently occurred every nine

years. These accounts have been disputed by scholars, but they pretty much agree that
years. These accounts have been disputed by scholars, but they pretty much agree that

if human beings were sacrificed, it probably happened before 1050 AD. So, regardless, some
if human beings were sacrificed, it probably happened before 1050 AD. So, regardless, some

creative liberties are being taken.
creative liberties are being taken.

Other striking moments are also infused with elements of Norse mythology. For instance,
Other striking moments are also infused with elements of Norse mythology. For instance,

Christian is put inside a bear carcass before being burned alive - Bears are significant
Christian is put inside a bear carcass before being burned alive - Bears are significant

in Norse mythology - Viking men donned bearskins before battle, and some even believed that
in Norse mythology - Viking men donned bearskins before battle, and some even believed that

the skins protected them from fire. Perhaps even more grotesque is the fate of Simon,
the skins protected them from fire. Perhaps even more grotesque is the fate of Simon,

the British guy who Christian finds splayed open, his lungs somehow still breathing. This
the British guy who Christian finds splayed open, his lungs somehow still breathing. This

gruesome sight is a reenactment of the “Blood Eagle” a Viking torture ritual that involves
gruesome sight is a reenactment of the “Blood Eagle” a Viking torture ritual that involves

inside-outing a dude. The Blood Eagle was first documented in 865, but scholars are
inside-outing a dude. The Blood Eagle was first documented in 865, but scholars are

unsure whether it’s possible, and none have exactly volunteered to be the guinea pig.
unsure whether it’s possible, and none have exactly volunteered to be the guinea pig.

Then there are the Harga love rituals, some of which also bear resemblance to reality.
Then there are the Harga love rituals, some of which also bear resemblance to reality.

For instance, we see the Harga young women picking different types of flowers - in real
For instance, we see the Harga young women picking different types of flowers - in real

life, they would pick seven kinds of flowers and put them under their pillow to conjure
life, they would pick seven kinds of flowers and put them under their pillow to conjure

dreams of their future mate. Instead, Christian’s seducer, Maya, places a carved love rune under
dreams of their future mate. Instead, Christian’s seducer, Maya, places a carved love rune under

his bed. In a more shocking moment, Christian discovers a pubic hair in his pie, a love
his bed. In a more shocking moment, Christian discovers a pubic hair in his pie, a love

spell Aster insists comes from “actual Swedish folklore.” At a different point, Christian’s
spell Aster insists comes from “actual Swedish folklore.” At a different point, Christian’s

drink is slightly redder than the others - suggesting that there’s menstrual blood in there, which
drink is slightly redder than the others - suggesting that there’s menstrual blood in there, which

Aster also says comes from lore. We’ve had trouble confirming either practice, and attempting
Aster also says comes from lore. We’ve had trouble confirming either practice, and attempting

to made the people at the library think we’re weirdos, so don’t say we don’t make sacrifices
to made the people at the library think we’re weirdos, so don’t say we don’t make sacrifices

for you guys.
for you guys.

Anyway, the point is that Aster had fun combining truth and fiction, old and new, mythology
Anyway, the point is that Aster had fun combining truth and fiction, old and new, mythology

and history to build his creepy haven of cell-phone-free agrarian life where ritualized human sacrifice
and history to build his creepy haven of cell-phone-free agrarian life where ritualized human sacrifice

is as normal as sourdough bread. That’s certainly not a criticism - If every horror
is as normal as sourdough bread. That’s certainly not a criticism - If every horror

film was confined to reality, the genre would be pretty boring. But in using this potpourri
film was confined to reality, the genre would be pretty boring. But in using this potpourri

of references, is Aster trying to make a deeper point? Let’s look at two very different
of references, is Aster trying to make a deeper point? Let’s look at two very different

ways the film’s “outsider” characters react to these rituals.
ways the film’s “outsider” characters react to these rituals.

We’ll start with Dani, who despite the demented arsony that’s going down, ends the film
We’ll start with Dani, who despite the demented arsony that’s going down, ends the film

with a smile. What are we supposed to make of this? Has Dani become evil? Or is there
with a smile. What are we supposed to make of this? Has Dani become evil? Or is there

something more to it? We think so, and her character arc proves it.
something more to it? We think so, and her character arc proves it.

Dani begins the film pretty firmly ensconced in a cold, alienating secular society filled
Dani begins the film pretty firmly ensconced in a cold, alienating secular society filled

with icy, lonely city streets. The colors are muted and we get the sense that this is
with icy, lonely city streets. The colors are muted and we get the sense that this is

not a happy world. After losing her entire family, nobody really comforts Dani, and her
not a happy world. After losing her entire family, nobody really comforts Dani, and her

shitty boyfriend only stays with her to seem like a good guy. Her world feels pretty absent
shitty boyfriend only stays with her to seem like a good guy. Her world feels pretty absent

of community and emotional support - She’s shown alone in her house, with phone calls
of community and emotional support - She’s shown alone in her house, with phone calls

providing much of her communication with the outside world. Her detachment is apparent
providing much of her communication with the outside world. Her detachment is apparent

in her first phone call with Christian. The camera is set squarely on her face, without
in her first phone call with Christian. The camera is set squarely on her face, without

a single cut to him, implying that she’s talking to somebody who isn’t fully present.
a single cut to him, implying that she’s talking to somebody who isn’t fully present.

“I’m very lucky to have you.”
“I’m very lucky to have you.”

Several other conversations are shown in mirrors, which could imply that people aren’t really
Several other conversations are shown in mirrors, which could imply that people aren’t really

connecting, and are only seeing each other’s superficial “public” face. Her boyfriend
connecting, and are only seeing each other’s superficial “public” face. Her boyfriend

is constantly trying to get away from her
is constantly trying to get away from her

“I was just gonna go to that party for 45 minutes.”
“I was just gonna go to that party for 45 minutes.”

forgets her birthday and pressures her to take hallucinogens, despite her recurring
forgets her birthday and pressures her to take hallucinogens, despite her recurring

panic attacks. Early on, their Swedish friend Pelle tells her that, despite being orphaned
panic attacks. Early on, their Swedish friend Pelle tells her that, despite being orphaned

as a child
as a child

“I have always felt held by a family, a real family. Which everyone deserves. And
“I have always felt held by a family, a real family. Which everyone deserves. And

you deserve.”
you deserve.”

It’s clear what she’s lacking: love, empathy, and community.
It’s clear what she’s lacking: love, empathy, and community.

And that’s exactly what she finds when she encounters the Harga people. Now although
And that’s exactly what she finds when she encounters the Harga people. Now although

she spends the first half of the film extremely weary and frightened of them, she’s eventually
she spends the first half of the film extremely weary and frightened of them, she’s eventually

seduced by the warmth of their community. Plus drugs. The Harga even seen to move in
seduced by the warmth of their community. Plus drugs. The Harga even seen to move in

tandem, as if they are all dancing to the same piece of choreography. They behave like
tandem, as if they are all dancing to the same piece of choreography. They behave like

different parts of the same organism. The idea of shared catharsis, both in pain and
different parts of the same organism. The idea of shared catharsis, both in pain and

pleasure, is present throughout the film. When this old man survives his leap off a
pleasure, is present throughout the film. When this old man survives his leap off a

cliff, the rest of his tribe moan in unison, as if experiencing a collective pain. This
cliff, the rest of his tribe moan in unison, as if experiencing a collective pain. This

is repeated in the final ritual sacrifice. Similarly, during Christian’s hot date,
is repeated in the final ritual sacrifice. Similarly, during Christian’s hot date,

we see the women moan in unison with Maya, as if sharing her pleasure. Every feeling
we see the women moan in unison with Maya, as if sharing her pleasure. Every feeling

experienced is shared by the community - As Aster puts it:
experienced is shared by the community - As Aster puts it:

At first, Dani’s intimidated by their sense of unity - feeling too scared to join the
At first, Dani’s intimidated by their sense of unity - feeling too scared to join the

ritual dancing.
ritual dancing.

“You guys should join.” “Oh, no, I’m too scared.”
“You guys should join.” “Oh, no, I’m too scared.”

However, she does appear to be struck by the connectedness of these people, staring closely
However, she does appear to be struck by the connectedness of these people, staring closely

during ceremonies. After the horrific sacrifice scene, Dani is visibly stunned and devastated
during ceremonies. After the horrific sacrifice scene, Dani is visibly stunned and devastated

- but she listens attentively as the elderly woman explains:
- but she listens attentively as the elderly woman explains:

As someone who recently lost her whole family, the idea of life being a circle of rebirth
As someone who recently lost her whole family, the idea of life being a circle of rebirth

HAS to be attractive.
HAS to be attractive.

We see Dani become increasingly more immersed in the Harga culture, as she starts to find
We see Dani become increasingly more immersed in the Harga culture, as she starts to find

the cult, uh community, she craved. Most basically, this is shown in her costume, which transforms
the cult, uh community, she craved. Most basically, this is shown in her costume, which transforms

from her dark, real world clothing to an apron and eventually a full dress and flower wreath
from her dark, real world clothing to an apron and eventually a full dress and flower wreath

before the may pole dance. Here, she takes more hallucinogens, but this time in a ritualized
before the may pole dance. Here, she takes more hallucinogens, but this time in a ritualized

motion, sharing the experience first with one Harga girl and then with the entire circle
motion, sharing the experience first with one Harga girl and then with the entire circle

of them. Though she’s slightly off rhythm, she can't avoid being led into the dance,
of them. Though she’s slightly off rhythm, she can't avoid being led into the dance,

and the dizzying experience is the first time we see her truly smile - she’s finally moving
and the dizzying experience is the first time we see her truly smile - she’s finally moving

as part of the singular Harga organism. As she grows dizzier, she starts blending with
as part of the singular Harga organism. As she grows dizzier, she starts blending with

images of other Harga girls, as if her painful individuality is disappearing.
images of other Harga girls, as if her painful individuality is disappearing.

But the most important moment of the film happens after she sees Christian having sex
But the most important moment of the film happens after she sees Christian having sex

with rando Swedish girl. She bursts into uncontrollable tears, echoing the way she cried after learning
with rando Swedish girl. She bursts into uncontrollable tears, echoing the way she cried after learning

about her family’s death. Except this time, she’s surrounded by a group of Harga women
about her family’s death. Except this time, she’s surrounded by a group of Harga women

who cry in tandem with her, as if sharing her emotional load and completely empathizing
who cry in tandem with her, as if sharing her emotional load and completely empathizing

with her pain.
with her pain.

Interestingly, Dani’s increased inculcation into the cult is mirrored by her increased
Interestingly, Dani’s increased inculcation into the cult is mirrored by her increased

immersion into nature. This begins psychedelically, when she hallucinates her hands growing grass,
immersion into nature. This begins psychedelically, when she hallucinates her hands growing grass,

and then her feet turning into grass. Over the course of her May Queen rulership, she
and then her feet turning into grass. Over the course of her May Queen rulership, she

becomes covered with more and more flowers to the point of absurdity. By the end, she
becomes covered with more and more flowers to the point of absurdity. By the end, she

has almost entirely disappeared into a gown and crown of bright blossoms, symbolizing
has almost entirely disappeared into a gown and crown of bright blossoms, symbolizing

her surrender to nature, and this agrarian society.
her surrender to nature, and this agrarian society.

We see this new fidelity to the Harga society when she picks Christian, rather than a Harga,
We see this new fidelity to the Harga society when she picks Christian, rather than a Harga,

to be the ninth sacrifice. As she watches the burning, she experiences pain, but like
to be the ninth sacrifice. As she watches the burning, she experiences pain, but like

the Harga, also experiences joy. She’s watching the vestiges of her former life crumble, and
the Harga, also experiences joy. She’s watching the vestiges of her former life crumble, and

can’t help but smile, as she is free to start anew in a community where she can belong
can’t help but smile, as she is free to start anew in a community where she can belong

and be seen. It’s creepy as HELL but makes for pretty great cinema.
and be seen. It’s creepy as HELL but makes for pretty great cinema.

But if you’re not interested in joining a community of happy inbred blonde people,
But if you’re not interested in joining a community of happy inbred blonde people,

there’s another option. Enter: Christian and the dude bros. They approach the Harga
there’s another option. Enter: Christian and the dude bros. They approach the Harga

people with the condescending distance of anthropology students working on a thesis-
people with the condescending distance of anthropology students working on a thesis-

sneaking into temples to take photos of secret religious texts or watching the rituals as
sneaking into temples to take photos of secret religious texts or watching the rituals as

if surveilling animals at a zoo. The crazier the animals act, the better a peer-reviewed
if surveilling animals at a zoo. The crazier the animals act, the better a peer-reviewed

paper they’ll have. Meanwhile, Mark, the unabashed fool, is more preoccupied with banging
paper they’ll have. Meanwhile, Mark, the unabashed fool, is more preoccupied with banging

Swedish chicks and could care less about their beliefs, as demonstrated when he pees on a
Swedish chicks and could care less about their beliefs, as demonstrated when he pees on a

sacred tree and can’t comprehend their reaction. In general, they approach the Harga culture
sacred tree and can’t comprehend their reaction. In general, they approach the Harga culture

with the same detached shock and intrigue as us- an audience so alienated from the value
with the same detached shock and intrigue as us- an audience so alienated from the value

of ancient rituals that we’re willing to buy in to the idea that they could be THIS
of ancient rituals that we’re willing to buy in to the idea that they could be THIS

horrific; or at least buy in enough for it to effectively scare us. What is Aster doing
horrific; or at least buy in enough for it to effectively scare us. What is Aster doing

here?
here?

The way we see it, the film is constantly playing into and subverting our modern, secular
The way we see it, the film is constantly playing into and subverting our modern, secular

aversion to mystical traditions. Religious worship has become increasingly alien to many
aversion to mystical traditions. Religious worship has become increasingly alien to many

of us, leading theologian David Bentley Hart to write that:
of us, leading theologian David Bentley Hart to write that:

We tend to see ritual acts as primitive, and potentially barbaric. That this film’s particular
We tend to see ritual acts as primitive, and potentially barbaric. That this film’s particular

boogeyman takes the form of very religious Swedes, rather than say, a sadistic escaped
boogeyman takes the form of very religious Swedes, rather than say, a sadistic escaped

serial killer or a shape-shifting clown speaks volumes about our society’s fear of and
serial killer or a shape-shifting clown speaks volumes about our society’s fear of and

aversion to ritual.
aversion to ritual.

At the same time, Aster depicts the Harga clan as the precise answer to everything wrong
At the same time, Aster depicts the Harga clan as the precise answer to everything wrong

with Danni’s life. She is offered complete acceptance, genuine reciprocity, and total
with Danni’s life. She is offered complete acceptance, genuine reciprocity, and total

empathy. Thus, Midsommar is a shocking reassertion of the value of ritual. No matter how irrational
empathy. Thus, Midsommar is a shocking reassertion of the value of ritual. No matter how irrational

these acts may seem, they have a very rational purpose- to build community and a sense of
these acts may seem, they have a very rational purpose- to build community and a sense of

belonging. We’d go ahead and say that’s Wisecrack Certified deep.
belonging. We’d go ahead and say that’s Wisecrack Certified deep.

But what do you guys think? Is Midsommar a compelling horror show that comments on our
But what do you guys think? Is Midsommar a compelling horror show that comments on our

increasingly secularized society? Or is it just “Pagan people = weird”? Let us know
increasingly secularized society? Or is it just “Pagan people = weird”? Let us know

what you think in the comments. Thanks to all our patrons for supporting the channel
what you think in the comments. Thanks to all our patrons for supporting the channel

and our podcast. Go ahead and hit that subscribe button and, before you go, I want to give
and our podcast. Go ahead and hit that subscribe button and, before you go, I want to give

another shout out to Skillshare. If you’re looking to expand your skills, You’ll find
another shout out to Skillshare. If you’re looking to expand your skills, You’ll find

thousands of classes covering tons of creative and entrepreneurial skills at Skillshare.
thousands of classes covering tons of creative and entrepreneurial skills at Skillshare.

Join the classes and communities that are right for you, today, by clicking the link
Join the classes and communities that are right for you, today, by clicking the link

in the description. By using our link you’ll get a two month free trial. And as always,
in the description. By using our link you’ll get a two month free trial. And as always,

thanks for watching guys, peace.
thanks for watching guys, peace.