Midsommer

Main Plot

"Midsommer," directed by Carsten Myllerup, is a Danish horror film that delves into themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. The story unfolds as a group of friends travels to a secluded cabin in the Swedish countryside to celebrate the summer solstice. The trip, intended as a getaway, quickly turns unsettling as strange occurrences begin to plague the group. The film explores the psychological impact of unresolved trauma, as the characters are haunted by their past actions and secrets. The eerie atmosphere is heightened by the isolation of the setting, where the natural beauty of the landscape contrasts with the sinister events that unfold. As the friends experience increasingly bizarre and terrifying phenomena, they are forced to confront their inner demons and the consequences of their past. "Midsommer" weaves elements of folklore and the supernatural into its narrative, creating a sense of dread and inevitability. The film's tension builds as the characters' relationships unravel, leading to a climactic confrontation with the forces that haunt them. Through its exploration of human vulnerability and the thin line between reality and the supernatural, the film offers a chilling meditation on the nature of fear and the power of the past to shape the present.

Characters

• Kristian Leth plays Simon, a friend visiting the Swedish commune. His disappearance and fate highlight the community's sinister rituals, escalating tension and horror for the main characters.
• Laura Christensen does not appear in the film. The plot centers around Dani, who attends a Swedish festival with her boyfriend and friends, uncovering dark rituals.
• Tuva Novotny plays Siv, a member of the Swedish commune, guiding newcomers through the unsettling rituals and traditions central to the plot's unfolding horror.

Ending Explained

In the final act, the protagonist, Dani, participates in the Hårga community's midsummer festival, which culminates in a ritualistic sacrifice. Throughout the festival, Dani has been increasingly integrated into the community, while her boyfriend, Christian, becomes more alienated. The climax occurs during the final ceremony, where nine human sacrifices are required. Four outsiders, including Christian, and four cult members are chosen, with the ninth selected by the May Queen, a title Dani has earned during the festivities. Dani, now fully embraced by the community, is given the power to choose the final sacrifice. She selects Christian, who has been drugged and placed inside a bear carcass. The sacrifices are placed in a temple, which is then set ablaze. As the temple burns, Dani initially appears distraught but gradually begins to smile, signifying her emotional release and acceptance of her new life with the Hårga. The ending highlights themes of rebirth and belonging, as Dani finds solace and a sense of family within the cult, contrasting with her previous isolation and grief. The ritual serves as a cathartic transformation for Dani, marking her complete assimilation into the community and the severing of ties with her past life.