The dark masterpiece Midsommar is the topic of this excitable episode. Ari Aster's 2019 movie is a multi-layered study of narcissistic behaviour – overt, covert, blatant and so slick and sophisticated you'll get a warm glow while it's happening. We look at how the film showcases gaslighting and codependence in relationships and in cults and how they isolate people using intense love, nurture and seeming acceptance. And we delve into how the film not only shows brainwashing, but practices it, drawing us in and giving us the warm and fuzzies at the most manipulative of moments.
It's full of SPOILERS, so if you haven't seen the movie, it's streaming on Netflix and other online sources right now. See it first. Be warned, it is a horror movie, even though it works very differently to the classic horror template.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: there's lots of talk of cults and how they abuse people, narcissism, manipulation, victim-blaming and extreme grief, as well as talk of the murder/suicide of family members. We are talking about horror and manipulation, too, so strap in, and if you're feeling sensitive today, go gentle on yourself. I'm afraid our sound is janky again. We're working out how to get clean recordings on both sides while we do our live recordings on Zoom. Thank you for your patience while we work on solving this issue.
Resources Acolytes of Horror: Nathan, video essayist, philosopher and artist: @LIGHTNINGWOW https://www.patreon.com/NathansArtProject
Watch Nathan's intelligent and comprehensive video essay on how Midsommar brainwashes you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr2j0o_B2mw Also packed with spoliers.
HG Tudor - an 'out' psychopath who debunks how others do it and offers advice: https://narcsite.com
Email us at pastimperfectpodcast@gmail.com with comments (and pictures/stories of your Kinder oracles!). Follow us on instagram @pastimperfectpodcast and on Twitter @PastImperfect2
Note: we are two fairly well informed people with opinions that we like to talk about. We're not expert voices telling things how they are, just how the are for us.
Music: New Dawn by Ruth Blake. Listen to her music at www.ruthblake.com
Logo image based on Psychopomp by Hollie Chastain. Check out her art and amazing collage book at www.holliechastain.com
