Why the Midsommar You Saw Isnt

The Midsommar Director's Cut offers significant additions and changes that deepen the narrative and character development, particularly regarding the relationship between Dani and Christian, the intricacies of the Hårga cult, and various subplots. While these additions provide extra context and world-building, some argue that they contribute to an already lengthy film without drastically altering the core story. The theatrical cut remains a more streamlined experience, though the director's cut caters to those seeking a more immersive and detailed dive into Aster's vision.

Midsummar: The Theatrical vs. Director's Cut #

• Horror Film Conventions:

  • Midsommar is unconventional: set mostly during the day, uses wide shots, and has fewer on-screen deaths compared to typical horror films.
  • Director's cut is even stranger than the original.

• New Rituals and Hårga Community in Director's Cut:

  • Director's Cut reveals more unusual rituals of the Hårga, who are a pagan cult.
  • One character's unexplained death in the original is clarified.
  • Adds more conflict between Christian and Josh over their college theses on the Hårga.

The Water Ceremony (New Scene) #

• Summary of the Ritual:

  • Takes place at night, contrasting with the daytime setting.
  • Hårga carry a decorated tree into the water, perform a short act, and a boy volunteers to be drowned.
  • Dani intervenes to stop the drowning; the Hårga also protest, and the boy is seemingly saved.

• Connie's Death:

  • Confirms Connie's drowning, which was only hinted at in the theatrical cut.
  • Connie's presence at the ceremony, despite her earlier disgust, might be a visual clue to her fate.

• Dani's Role and Assimilation:

  • Dani is more proactive, speaking against the cult initially.
  • Shows early signs of Dani's assimilation as she stands within the Hårga group while others are outside.
  • The cult members mimic Dani's actions, foreshadowing their later behavior.

• Interpretation of the Scene:

  • Raises questions if it’s a typical Hårga ritual or a test for Dani.

Dani and Christian's Relationship #

• Post-Water Ritual Discussion:

  • Dani and Christian discuss leaving the community.
  • Christian reveals he's now doing his thesis on the Hårga, competing with Josh.
  • Dani expresses distrust for the Hårga, showing more common sense.

• Dani Confronts Christian:

  • Dani directly asks Christian if he still loves her.
  • Christian chastises Dani for using her psychology background.
  • Christian refers to Dani picking flowers for him, implying he views her gestures as transactional.

• Impact on Dani's Arc:

  • This deepens the tragedy of Dani's eventual cult assimilation, as she initially questions the Hårga.
  • The director views this argument as a "centerpiece" for the film.

• Ripple Effects on Later Scenes:

  • Dani's dream of Christian abandoning her gains more impact after their fight.
  • A later make-up scene, where Christian doesn't truly apologize, highlights his manipulative nature.
  • Christian's dismissive reaction to Dani's news about Simon and Connie after the make-up scene further reveals his insincerity and priorities.

• Christian's Gaslighting:

  • An extended scene of Dani and Christian's initial fight before Sweden.
  • Christian claims he planned to invite Dani, gaslighting her by saying she "ruined the surprise."
  • Highlights Christian's conniving nature early on.

Subplots and World-Building #

• Josh and Christian's Thesis Rivalry:

  • Extended car ride scene where Josh explains his thesis, and Christian admits he doesn't know his topic.
  • The theatrical cut replaces this with a random line about Christian's thesis, post-production.
  • Extended confrontation between Josh and Christian, with Josh criticizing Christian's lack of academic dedication.
  • Adds humor, like Christian forgetting paper for research.

• Maya's Seduction of Christian:

  • New scene establishing Maya meeting Christian.
  • The elder reveals Pelle gave Maya a photo of Christian before his arrival, setting up her infatuation.
  • Christian is tempted by the "unique academic opportunity" of participating in Hårga sexual rites.
  • Highlights the Hårga's pre-planned manipulation of the foreigners.

• Extended Dialogue with the Elder:

  • The director's cut has a new, funnier punchline and holds a wider shot for longer.
  • Christian asks if he can observe the sexual rites without participating.

• Visual World-Building and Background Detail:

  • Aster's deliberate long takes and choreographed backgrounds are enhanced.
  • Background elements, like Maya and Christian decorating the water ritual tree or the maypole being set up, are shown earlier.
  • The "constantly burning" fire used for elder cremations is introduced earlier, with Pelle's explanation.
  • These details enrich the Hårga world even though they don't significantly change the main story.

Comparison and Conclusion #

• Director's Cut Advantages:

  • Deepens the relationship between Dani and Christian, particularly the argument in the field.
  • Provides more detail on the Hårga's rituals and manipulations.
  • Some extended scenes feel less abrupt than their theatrical counterparts.

• Director's Cut Disadvantages:

  • Adds over 20 minutes to an already long film.
  • The core plot lines are conveyed adequately in the theatrical cut.
  • Some argue the extra detail isn't "necessary."

• Personal Preference:

  • The presenter prefers the more streamlined theatrical cut but acknowledges the director's cut satisfies curiosity about the Hårga world.

• Further Exploration:

  • More edits in the director's cut not covered in the video.