"A journey to sunny Sweden exposes sinister ancient pagan rituals in modern day. Cults, sacrifices & Queen Florence Pugh. Wear your flower crowns!" Emily Johansen, Social Media Coordinator, Hot Docs Cinema

A post-trauma trip to the Swedish countryside; taking in the near-endless hours of healing Scandinavian daylight; experiencing the festivities and customs of a quietly quant community – it’s just what Dani needs to take her mind off the tragedy she’s experienced back home. What could possibly go wrong?

A modern horror classic from powerhouse A24 and genre giant Ari Aster, the lure of Midsommar is undeniable. Set almost exclusively outdoors in bright sunlight, it builds its thrills without the usual use of darkness and shadow, crafting powerful scenes and imagery that stay with its audience well after its unforgettable ending. It’s WTF and OMG all rolled up in into one massive Swedish meatball of madness. There’s nothing quite like watching it for the first-time, watching it again with someone who’s seeing it for the first time... or just watching it again and again!

This is Emily's Staff Pick: Emily is the Hot Docs Cinema social media coordinator. She loves cinema, sushi, hiking, hunting for treasure and art galleries. A hardcore bookworm, when not at Hot Docs, she can be found at the library in the mystery section.