Do Swedish People Like the Movie Midsommar?

Midsommar. The name alone probably sparks visions of disturbing rituals, sun-drenched meadows, and, well, a whole lot of creepy vibes. Ari Aster's horror film, set in Sweden, became a global sensation when it was released in 2019. But here’s the burning question—do Swedish people actually like the movie? Or do they cringe at the portrayal of their culture, with all its pagan rituals and eerie festivals?

Let’s be honest. Most people (myself included) are intrigued by the idea of living in a country like Sweden, with its picturesque landscapes, tall blondes, and seemingly perfect life. So when a film like Midsommar paints such a dark, twisted version of Swedish rural life, you have to wonder: do the locals see it as a work of art, or do they think it's just another American horror story that misunderstood their culture?

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

The short answer is—it depends. Some Swedes appreciate Midsommar for its boldness, aesthetic beauty, and gripping atmosphere, while others... well, let’s just say they have a few things to say about the film’s depiction of Swedish traditions.

For example, I’ve seen plenty of comments from Swedish critics and movie buffs who recognize that Aster did, indeed, create something visually stunning. The cinematography is often described as breathtaking, with lush Swedish landscapes that draw you in. Aster’s use of daylight—since the movie takes place in the middle of summer, where Sweden doesn’t experience much darkness—adds to the unsettling nature of the story. It’s a psychological mind-bender, to say the least.

But, (and here’s the big “but”) there are also Swedish people who find the film’s portrayal of their culture exaggerated, insensitive, or downright inaccurate. Swedish traditions are rooted in centuries of history and aren’t as “cult-like” as the film might suggest. Sure, there are festivals like Midsummer (Midsommar) in Sweden, but they’re far from the disturbing, horror-show rituals that are central to the film. It's all about dancing around a maypole, wearing flower crowns, eating herring, and celebrating the long summer days. Nothing sinister about that, right?

Is Midsommar a Cultural Misunderstanding?

One of the major complaints from Swedish viewers is that Midsommar distorts their cultural practices for the sake of horror. The movie paints an almost dystopian view of rural Sweden, turning a seemingly innocent festival into a terrifying ordeal. The characters in the movie engage in ritualistic murders and gruesome traditions that have no real-world basis in Sweden. And yet, for anyone unfamiliar with Swedish culture, it’s easy to walk away thinking, “Wow, what’s up with those crazy Swedes?”

As one Swede I spoke to put it, "I get it—it’s a horror movie, but it’s not really us." There’s this ongoing tension between the desire for the film to be seen as an artistic expression and the feeling that it misrepresents the reality of Swedish life. Many Swedes feel that the film only captures a tiny, fictionalized portion of their culture, not the full picture.

The Real Midsummer vs. the Midsommar Festival

If there’s one thing that’s absolutely not like the movie, it’s the actual Midsummer festival in Sweden. Let me just set the record straight. The Swedish Midsummer celebration is a joyful, family-friendly event. People gather in rural areas to dance around the maypole, eat pickled herring, new potatoes, and strawberries, and enjoy the rare, beautiful sunlight. It’s an event full of joy and connection, not death and destruction. So, yeah, Midsommar may have borrowed the name, but it didn’t really capture the spirit of the festival.

Having lived in Sweden for a while, I’ve witnessed this celebration firsthand. There’s nothing remotely sinister about it. Sure, some of the older customs are a bit quirky (ever heard of the “flower crown” thing?), but it’s mostly about appreciating nature and spending time with loved ones. There’s no gruesome “ritual sacrifice” involved—just a lot of singing, dancing, and merrymaking.

The Popularity of Midsommar in Sweden

Despite the controversy, Midsommar didn’t exactly flop in Sweden. It had a certain intrigue for film buffs, and some Swedes—especially those who are into dark, psychological horror—appreciated the film for its unsettling atmosphere and shock value. Some even enjoyed the film’s aesthetic qualities, like its juxtaposition of beauty and terror. After all, there’s something deeply unsettling about horror set in broad daylight, where you’re just waiting for the next chilling thing to happen.

However, it wasn’t a universal hit. A fair number of Swedes felt a bit uneasy seeing their culture twisted into a nightmarish plot. And honestly, I can’t blame them. If someone made a film about my hometown and turned it into a grotesque, horrifying setting, I’d probably have some issues with it, too.

So, Do Swedish People Like the Movie?

In short, Midsommar seems to be one of those films that divides opinions. Some Swedes are perfectly fine with the movie, appreciating it for what it is: a work of fiction that uses Swedish culture as a backdrop for a horror story. Others are less enthusiastic, feeling that it takes liberties with their traditions and misrepresents the reality of their society.

It’s safe to say that no one is walking around Sweden dressed like the film's cult members anytime soon. While Midsommar has certainly stirred up some conversation, it’s more likely to be remembered as a dark, eerie thriller—rather than a true reflection of Swedish life.

As for me, I loved the movie for its psychological horror and striking imagery, but I’d probably save my Swedish Midsummer celebrations for the real deal: flower crowns, good food, and (hopefully) no creepy rituals. What about you? Would you dare to celebrate Midsummer the Midsommar way? Or do you prefer to stick to the classic, non-cult version?

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