Florence Pugh on ‘Midsommar’ Trauma & Depression Battle

Florence Pugh on the Emotional Toll of “Midsommar” and the Power of Immersive Acting

Florence Pugh’s breakout role in Ari Aster’s⁢ unsettling horror film, Midsommar, wasn’t just a performance – it was a deeply personal and emotionally draining experience.⁣ The actress recently revealed the profound impact the ​role had on her, extending far beyond the final cut of the film.

Pugh admits she pushed herself to ‌extremes to embody Dani, the grieving protagonist at the heart of Midsommar. Remarkably, she was grappling with a meaningful personal ‌loss of her own‍ during the film’s shoot. Actually, she‍ was attending‍ her entire family’s funeral during the end ‍of production.

She acknowledges that stepping into such a​ raw emotional space, ⁢notably ‍for the first time, was incredibly challenging.Pugh essentially “put herself ⁢through hell” to access the vulnerability required for the role.

The Aftermath of Dani’s Pain

The emotional weight ‌didn’t dissipate when filming ‌wrapped. Instantly following midsommar, Pugh⁤ transitioned to Little Women with just three days in between.

As she flew from Budapest,where Midsommar was filmed,Pugh found herself⁢ unexpectedly weeping. She felt a strong sense of abandonment, as if she’d left⁢ Dani to navigate the aftermath of ‌her trauma alone.

Pugh reflects that ‌her brain was exhibiting a form of sympathetic distress. She had deliberately manipulated her own emotions ⁢to achieve a powerful performance, and the consequences were significant. She realized she couldn’t continue to exhaust herself in that way, ⁣as it had a lasting impact, leaving her feeling‍ saddened ⁢for approximately six months afterward.

Aster’s Unique Directorial approach

Despite the emotional toll, Pugh has consistently praised director Ari Aster. She describes him as a “peculiar” genius,someone who pushes boundaries and challenges actors.

Aster employed an⁣ unconventional method during rehearsals: he conducted ⁢therapy sessions with Pugh and her co-star, Jack Reynor, ⁢ in character. He woudl act as their therapist, posing questions designed‌ to unlock deeper emotional layers. Pugh found this process incredibly difficult, yet ultimately valuable.

A Performance That Resonated

Midsommar garnered critical acclaim, with many praising Pugh’s nuanced portrayal of Dani. Critics⁤ noted her ability to showcase a character⁣ who evolves from profound​ grief to a chilling sense⁤ of empowerment.

One reviewer described Aster as a “bold new voice in psychological horror,” and‌ highlighted Pugh’s performance as a key element in the ‍film’s success.Her work beautifully illustrated⁣ Dani’s journey toward a validating, albeit unsettling, form of vengeance.

Ultimately, Florence Pugh’s experience with Midsommar serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and emotional vulnerability required for truly immersive acting.It’s a testament to her talent⁢ and willingness to explore‍ the ‍darkest corners of the human experience, even at a personal cost.