Community vs. Isolation: A Comparative Analysis of 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar'

In the realm of folk horror, two films stand out for their chilling exploration of community, isolation, and the terrifying allure of insular societies: 'The Wicker Man' (1973) and 'Midsommar' (2019). Both films delve into the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic communities, revealing the dangers lurking beneath the surface of ancient rituals and unwavering traditions. In this blog post, we'll embark on a comparative analysis of these two cinematic masterpieces, examining how they portray the seductive and perilous nature of these communities, and how their protagonists grapple with feelings of belonging and alienation. Be sure to check out our related episode, Deep Dive into 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar', for an even deeper discussion on these captivating films!

Introduction: Folk Horror and the Allure of Community

Folk horror, as a genre, taps into primal fears rooted in folklore, paganism, and the isolation of rural communities. It often presents a stark contrast between the perceived safety of civilization and the untamed, often malevolent, forces of nature and tradition. Both 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar' expertly utilize these elements to create a sense of unease and dread, drawing viewers into worlds where the familiar is twisted and the seemingly benevolent hides sinister intentions. The allure of community, especially for those feeling lost or disconnected, is a powerful draw in these films, but it’s an allure that comes with a steep price. The promise of belonging masks a web of manipulation, control, and ultimately, sacrifice.

The Witch Movie Project: A Deep Dive

As part of The Witch Movie Project, we aim to dissect and analyze films that explore themes of witchcraft, paganism, and the occult. 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar' were natural choices for our series due to their rich symbolism, complex characters, and thought-provoking narratives. Through detailed analysis and discussion, we hope to shed light on the deeper meanings and cultural relevance of these films, inviting viewers to reconsider their own perspectives on community, tradition, and the human condition.

Initial Reactions to 'The Wicker Man'

'The Wicker Man,' directed by Robin Hardy, is a cult classic that has captivated and disturbed audiences for decades. Set on the remote Scottish island of Summerisle, the film follows Sergeant Neil Howie, a devout Christian policeman, as he investigates the disappearance of a young girl. What begins as a routine missing person case quickly unravels into a nightmarish encounter with a pagan community that has abandoned Christianity in favor of ancient, fertility-based rituals. Our initial reactions to the film often revolve around the unsettling contrast between Howie’s rigid morality and the islanders' seemingly carefree paganism. The film's slow burn, building tension, and shocking climax leave a lasting impression, forcing viewers to confront their own preconceived notions about faith, community, and sacrifice. The film's genius lies in its ability to make the seemingly idyllic and welcoming community deeply unsettling, planting seeds of doubt and suspicion in the viewer's mind from the very beginning.

Symbolism and Themes Explored in 'The Wicker Man'

'The Wicker Man' is rife with symbolism and thematic depth. The island of Summerisle itself represents a world turned upside down, where traditional values are inverted and pagan beliefs reign supreme. The Maypole, a central symbol in the film, represents fertility, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. The islanders' devotion to their crops and livestock underscores their connection to the land and their willingness to engage in ritualistic practices to ensure a bountiful harvest. Sergeant Howie, on the other hand, embodies the rigid morality of Christianity, representing the clash between traditional and pagan belief systems. His unwavering faith and adherence to the law make him an outsider on Summerisle, a stark contrast to the islanders' acceptance of pagan practices. The film explores themes of religious conflict, the dangers of blind faith, and the seductive power of community. The islanders' manipulation of Howie, leading him to his ultimate sacrifice, highlights the dangers of insular societies that prioritize their own survival above all else. The titular Wicker Man itself is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and the culmination of the islanders' pagan rituals. It represents the ultimate offering to their gods, a burning effigy filled with animals and humans, meant to ensure a successful harvest. The film's ending, with Howie trapped inside the Wicker Man and burned alive, is a shocking and unforgettable image that underscores the dangers of religious extremism and the fragility of individual belief in the face of overwhelming communal pressure.

Transitioning to 'Midsommar': Initial Impressions

Ari Aster's 'Midsommar' offers a contemporary take on the folk horror genre, transporting viewers to a remote Swedish commune where ancient traditions and unsettling rituals unfold under the endless daylight of the summer solstice. The film follows Dani Ardor, a young woman grieving the tragic loss of her family, as she accompanies her emotionally distant boyfriend, Christian, and his friends on a trip to Sweden. Initially, the Hårga community appears welcoming and idyllic, offering Dani a sense of belonging and acceptance that she desperately craves. However, as the film progresses, the Hårga's true nature is revealed, exposing a dark underbelly of ritualistic violence, manipulation, and psychological torment. Our initial impressions of 'Midsommar' often focus on the film's stunning visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and the emotional depth of Florence Pugh's performance as Dani. The film's use of bright, vibrant colors contrasts sharply with the disturbing events that unfold, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. Unlike the shadowy atmosphere of 'The Wicker Man', 'Midsommar' revels in the harsh light of day, exposing the horrors of the Hårga community in stark detail.

The Significance of Rituals and Foreshadowing in 'Midsommar'

Rituals play a central role in 'Midsommar', serving as a means of maintaining social order, expressing religious beliefs, and controlling the community's emotional landscape. The Hårga's rituals are deeply rooted in pagan traditions, reflecting their connection to nature and their belief in the cyclical nature of life and death. From the Ättestupa, the ritualistic suicide of the elderly, to the Maypole dance, the film is filled with disturbing practices that challenge viewers' understanding of morality and social norms. Foreshadowing is also used effectively in 'Midsommar', subtly hinting at the horrors to come. The rune carvings that adorn the Hårga's buildings and clothing, the strange symbols that appear in the landscape, and the unsettling behavior of the community members all contribute to a sense of impending doom. The film's careful attention to detail creates a rich and immersive experience, drawing viewers deeper into the Hårga's world and heightening the sense of dread.

The Disturbing Rituals of the Community

The rituals depicted in 'Midsommar' are not merely strange customs; they are integral to the Hårga's belief system and social structure. The Ättestupa, where elderly members of the community jump to their deaths from a cliff, is perhaps the most disturbing example. This ritual is presented as a natural part of the life cycle, a way for the elderly to return to the earth and make way for new generations. However, the graphic depiction of the event and the community's detached response underscore the Hårga's willingness to sacrifice individual lives for the greater good of the community. Other rituals, such as the mating ritual where Dani is chosen as the May Queen and the subsequent communal birthing ceremony, further highlight the Hårga's emphasis on fertility, tradition, and the interconnectedness of all things. These rituals are designed to bind the community together, reinforcing their shared beliefs and suppressing any dissent. The Hårga's rituals are not merely a reflection of their pagan beliefs; they are a tool of control, used to manipulate and indoctrinate new members, ensuring the survival and perpetuation of their insular society.

Dani's Transformation and the Climax of 'Midsommar'

Dani's journey in 'Midsommar' is one of profound emotional transformation. Initially, she arrives at the Hårga community deeply traumatized by the loss of her family and alienated from her emotionally distant boyfriend. The Hårga, despite their disturbing rituals, offer Dani a sense of belonging and validation that she has been lacking in her life. As the film progresses, Dani becomes increasingly integrated into the Hårga community, participating in their rituals and embracing their beliefs. The Maypole dance marks a turning point in Dani's transformation. By winning the dance, she is crowned May Queen, becoming an integral part of the Hårga's fertility rituals. This newfound status gives her a sense of power and purpose that she has never experienced before. The climax of 'Midsommar' sees Dani forced to choose a sacrifice to be burned in the temple, ultimately selecting Christian, her emotionally neglectful boyfriend. This act represents Dani's final break from her past and her complete embrace of the Hårga community. The film ends with Dani smiling as the temple burns, surrounded by the Hårga, finally finding a sense of peace and belonging in their disturbing embrace. Dani's transformation is both tragic and empowering. While she finds solace in the Hårga community, it comes at the cost of her former self, her values, and her connection to the outside world.

Comparative Reflections on 'Midsommar' and 'The Wicker Man'

While 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar' share the common thread of folk horror and the exploration of insular communities, they differ in their approach and execution. 'The Wicker Man' relies on suspense and mystery, slowly revealing the true nature of the Summerisle community. 'Midsommar', on the other hand, is more upfront about its disturbing content, immersing viewers in the Hårga's world from the very beginning. Both films use striking visuals and unsettling atmospheres to create a sense of unease and dread, but they employ different cinematic techniques. 'The Wicker Man' is characterized by its low-budget aesthetic and its use of natural lighting, while 'Midsommar' boasts a high-gloss production value and a deliberate use of color and composition. Despite these differences, both films offer powerful critiques of insular societies and the dangers of unchecked tradition.

Contrasting Community Dynamics: Acceptance vs. Manipulation

One key difference between 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar' lies in the dynamics of their respective communities. In 'The Wicker Man', the islanders of Summerisle actively manipulate Sergeant Howie, using his rigid morality and unwavering faith against him. They lure him into a false sense of security, exploiting his desire to solve the missing person case and ultimately leading him to his sacrificial death. The Summerisle community is portrayed as cunning and ruthless, willing to sacrifice anyone, even an outsider, to ensure their own survival. In 'Midsommar', the Hårga community is more welcoming and accepting of outsiders, at least initially. They offer Dani a sense of belonging and validation, drawing her into their rituals and slowly indoctrinating her into their beliefs. However, this acceptance is ultimately conditional, based on Dani's willingness to conform to the Hårga's norms and participate in their disturbing practices. The Hårga's manipulation is more subtle than that of the Summerisle islanders, relying on emotional manipulation and psychological conditioning rather than outright deception. Both films demonstrate the dangers of insular societies, but they highlight different aspects of this danger: 'The Wicker Man' focuses on the threat of external manipulation, while 'Midsommar' explores the insidious power of internal indoctrination.

The Protagonist's Journey: Isolation and Belonging

Both Sergeant Howie and Dani Ardor embark on journeys marked by isolation and a desperate search for belonging. Howie's isolation stems from his rigid morality and his inability to understand or accept the pagan beliefs of the Summerisle islanders. He is an outsider in every sense of the word, unable to connect with the community or comprehend their motivations. Dani, on the other hand, is initially isolated by her grief and her emotionally distant relationship with Christian. She seeks solace and belonging in the Hårga community, finding a sense of validation and acceptance that she has been lacking in her life. However, this sense of belonging comes at a steep price, requiring her to abandon her former self and embrace the Hårga's disturbing beliefs and practices. Both protagonists ultimately fail to find true belonging, but their journeys highlight the powerful allure of community and the lengths to which people will go to escape isolation. Howie's journey ends in sacrifice, a symbol of his ultimate alienation. Dani's journey culminates in her embrace of the Hårga, a disturbing affirmation of her need to belong, even to a community steeped in violence and manipulation.

Conclusion: The Dangers and Allure of Insular Societies

'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar' serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of insular societies and the seductive power of community. Both films explore the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic communities, revealing the sinister intentions lurking beneath the surface of ancient rituals and unwavering traditions. They remind us that the promise of belonging can be a dangerous illusion, masking a web of manipulation, control, and ultimately, sacrifice. While the allure of community is undeniable, it is essential to maintain a critical perspective and resist the urge to blindly conform to group norms. As these films demonstrate, the price of belonging can be far too high. For more insights and in-depth discussions on these captivating films, be sure to listen to our episode, Deep Dive into 'The Wicker Man' and 'Midsommar'.