Director: Ari Aster
Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Will Poulter
Running Time: 147 minutes
Synopsis: Dani (Florence Pugh) loses her parents and sister in shocking circumstances, straining her relationship with boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor). Nevertheless the couple accept an invitation from Christian's friend Pelle to visit his home community in rural Sweden in time for a midsummer festival. Upon arrival the tension between Dani and Christian intensifies as they dabble in hallucinogenics and witness the increasingly troubling rituals of an isolated pagan community.
What Works Well: The opening pre-credit sequence leading to the demise of Dani's family is excellent, drawing on Florence Pugh's full range as she navigates uncertainty, loss, grief, disorientation, and doubt. The scenes in Sweden benefit from occasionally interesting cinematography.
What Does Not Work As Well: Languid pacing, shallow character definitions, minimal plot points, endless scenes of staring, chanting, dancing, and hollering, and the absence of suspense decimate momentum. Writer and director Ari Aster leans heavily on a couple of shocking moments and some gore, both quite insufficient to justify a bloated running time that is a good one hour longer than necessary.
Key Quote:
Pelle (to Dani, about Christian): He's my good friend and I like him, but... Dani, do you feel held by him? Does he feel like home to you?
All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.
All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.
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