Sometimes movies really hit you. I originally saw Midsommer in a theatre, and I was mentally blown away by it. The minute I got home I broke out my pencils and went to work sketching this out. I just had to get the image out of my head.
If you have not seen the film, here is a brief synopsis:
“Midsommar” is a psychological horror film directed by Ari Aster, released in 2019. The movie follows a young woman named Dani Ardor who, after experiencing a traumatic family tragedy, joins her boyfriend Christian and his friends on a trip to a remote Swedish village to participate in a midsummer festival.
As the group arrives at the idyllic commune where the festival takes place, they are initially greeted with warmth and hospitality by the villagers. However, as the festivities progress, it becomes increasingly clear that the community practices a sinister form of pagan rituals and traditions.
As Dani and her friends become more entangled in the rituals, tensions rise within the group, and they begin to question the true nature of the village and its inhabitants. The eerie atmosphere, hallucinatory experiences induced by psychedelic drugs, and the escalating violence and disturbing ceremonies all contribute to a sense of dread and unease.
As the festival reaches its climax, Dani is forced to confront her own grief and trauma while also facing the horrifying reality of the village’s intentions. In a shocking and visceral finale, the true extent of the village’s darkness is revealed, leaving Dani to make a fateful decision about her own future.
“Midsommar” is renowned for its stunning visuals, atmospheric setting, and complex exploration of themes such as grief, trauma, and the destructive nature of toxic relationships. It has been praised for its unique take on the horror genre and its haunting portrayal of psychological horror.
This drawing eventually became a tee shirt design and you can acquire it here.
