Why Midsommar Proves Broad Daylight Can Be Terrifying

Why Midsommar Proves Broad Daylight Can Be Terrifying

When we think of horror movies, the typical imagery that comes to mind is darkness, shadows, and eerie silence. But Ari Aster’s Midsommar (2019) completely flips this convention on its head. Instead of darkness, the film delivers its chilling story in broad daylight, under the unrelenting brightness of the Scandinavian summer. The result? A deeply unsettling and unforgettable horror experience. Here's why daylight in Midsommar is so terrifying:  

 1. No Place to Hide  

Traditional horror thrives on darkness and the fear of the unknown lurking in the shadows. In Midsommar, everything is laid bare in the open. The brutality of horrifying rituals, like the infamous Attestupa scene, is shown in full detail under the glaring sun. There’s no escape, no shadows to retreat into just raw, inescapable terror.  

2. The Disorienting Midnight Sun  

Set in Sweden during the summer solstice, Midsommar takes place in a world where the sun barely sets. This phenomenon, known as the "midnight sun," creates a surreal, dreamlike quality throughout the film. Both the characters and the audience lose their sense of time, leaving everyone in a state of perpetual unease. Without the comfort of nightfall to signal rest, tension builds endlessly.  

 3. Beauty Meets Brutality  

The picturesque landscape of Hårga is almost too perfect lush greenery, colorful flowers, and pastel hues dominate every frame. But this idyllic setting contrasts sharply with the dark and violent rituals of the cult-like community. The juxtaposition of beauty and savagery makes every shocking moment feel even more jarring and grotesque.  

4. Psychological Horror Over Supernatural Scares  

Unlike many horror films that rely on ghosts or monsters, Midsommar is rooted in psychological terror. The story revolves around grief, trauma, and toxic relationships. Dani (played brilliantly by Florence Pugh) is forced to confront her deepest emotions in a setting that offers no respite. The relentless brightness of her surroundings feels like a spotlight on her pain, amplifying her sense of vulnerability and isolation.  

5. Slow-Burning Dread  

Midsommar doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares to frighten its audience. Instead, it takes its time building tension. The villagers’ overly friendly demeanor and unsettling rituals slowly chip away at any sense of normalcy, leaving viewers on edge as they anticipate the next horrifying turn.  

By blending folk horror with a bright and open setting, Ari Aster has crafted a film that redefines what it means to be scared. The bold choice to set the story in perpetual daylight not only heightens the unease but also challenges our perception of what makes something truly terrifying.  

If you haven’t seen Midsommar yet, prepare yourself for a horror experience that’s as beautiful as it is disturbing and proof that daylight can be just as scary as darkness.