Dani has just lost her sister and parents, struggling to cope up with the loss. Her boyfriend Christian is being distant with her and wants to breakup but in the current situation is unable to do so, as Dani is frequently having panic attacks. Months later their Swedish friend Pelle invites the couple along with their two friends to their village for a summer festival. The little community of Hårga awaits their visit and the group is fascinated by their traditions initially. But the practices soon become too much for them to bear while the group gets divided in deciding whether to stay or leave. To those who stay, what impact their ancient practices have on them, forms rest of the story.
I watched the Director's Cut and not once felt the runtime to be lengthy at 2hrs 50mins. Ari Aster has proved himself each time and I took too much time to watch his 2nd directorial. The concept hit me hard and the staging of several scenes. It is the psychological aspect than the gore or Shock value that leaves a lasting impact in Ari Aster films, be it Hereditary or this or Beau is Afraid. The setting of the story as well as characters in the first hour is so effective, it builds up perfectly to what's on the store an hour into the film.
Once the shocker scene is over, it's back to psychological drama, focusing on Dani and Christian, with him constantly gaslighting her and Christian doing the same with his friend Josh. It is here we get a proper character arc for Dani and Christian, exploring their personalities, even establishing how their stay in the commune has impacted on who they are. From nowhere to belong to finding themselves in that particular moment among the commune. The way the group responds to Dani's outburst stayed with me.
I watched the Director's Cut and not once felt the runtime to be lengthy at 2hrs 50mins. Ari Aster has proved himself each time and I took too much time to watch his 2nd directorial. The concept hit me hard and the staging of several scenes. It is the psychological aspect than the gore or Shock value that leaves a lasting impact in Ari Aster films, be it Hereditary or this or Beau is Afraid. The setting of the story as well as characters in the first hour is so effective, it builds up perfectly to what's on the store an hour into the film.
Once the shocker scene is over, it's back to psychological drama, focusing on Dani and Christian, with him constantly gaslighting her and Christian doing the same with his friend Josh. It is here we get a proper character arc for Dani and Christian, exploring their personalities, even establishing how their stay in the commune has impacted on who they are. From nowhere to belong to finding themselves in that particular moment among the commune. The way the group responds to Dani's outburst stayed with me.