“Midsommar,” Ari Aster’s 2019 horror film, captivated audiences with its disturbing portrayal of a pagan cult. Beyond its surface-level horror, the film’s critical reception reveals a deeper psychological theme: cult susceptibility.

By examining the film’s impact on viewers, insight can be gained into the psychological factors that draw us to such disturbing narratives. “Midsommar” was initially hailed by some as a feminist critique of toxic masculinity, with many female viewers feeling seen and heard by the latter part of the film.

HeroIsAGirlsName in r/Midsommar on Reddit says, “I think the reason a lot of women find Midsommar empowering is because they relate to being in an emotionally distant relationship where emotional honesty is seen as being crazy or clingy.”

The movie, similar to a cult, draws in emotionally susceptible people by portraying the film as seemingly feministic. This allows the viewer to focus on what they want to hear, concealing the true intentions of the film; creating an example of cult susceptibility.

Cults can create a false feeling of a supportive environment that can be difficult to resist, especially for those who are seeking a sense of belonging. In an interview, Aster said, “It was very important to me that [the members of the cult] not be menacing. They’re not foreboding. They love this world. They believe in what they’re doing. They are just completely in touch with themselves and their lives and each other.”

Aster repeatedly mentioned that color was very important to him in the film. He extensively worked with set and costume designers to create a peaceful and calm environment where the cult members lived. By selecting this specific color scheme, Aster created a visually striking and emotionally disturbing experience that underlines the film’s theme of cult susceptibility.