In 2018 a relatively unknown director named Ari Aster had his film HEREDITARY released. Prior to its debut, the movie was getting rave reviews while playing on the festival circuit. Though the film got mixed reviews by audiences, it was a box office success. His sophomore effort MIDSOMMAR (2019) was just released and it too received fantastic reviews.

College co-ed Dani Ardor follows her boyfriend Christian and his friends Mark and Josh to Sweden for a festival. Having lost her parents and sister to a murder-suicide, her mental state has been shattered and this trip seems like an exotic escape from her troubles. When they arrive, what they expected to be similar to Mardi Gras is much more pagan. As the week goes by, stranger things begin to happen and their hosts become more erratic.

Though the film stars a cast of relative unknowns, Aster’s writing and direction move this very long film into directions that are very unnerving. Already being called the best horror film of 2019, the movie has made three times its budget. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.