Florence Pugh Reveals Intense Emotional Toll of Her 'Midsommar' Performance

Imagine giving a performance so raw, so utterly devastating, that it leaves you battling depression for half a year after the cameras stop rolling. That's precisely the experience Florence Pugh describes after her critically acclaimed role as Dani Ardor in Ari Aster's folk horror hit, Midsommar.

TL;DR: The Emotional Aftermath of a Deeply Disturbing Role

• Florence Pugh candidly shared on The Louis Theroux Podcast that her role as Dani in Midsommar led to six months of depression.
• To embody Dani's profound grief, Pugh immersed herself in imagining intense personal tragedies, describing the process as "putting myself through hell."
• Despite the film's critical success, Pugh stated she won't "exhaust myself like that" again, emphasizing the long-lasting "knock-on effect" on her mental well-being.

Unpacking Dani's Despair: The Actor's Journey into Profound Grief

For many, 2019's Midsommar was a viscerally unsettling cinematic experience. But for Florence Pugh, who anchored the film with her portrayal of Dani Ardor, it was an emotional crucible that tested the very limits of her mental fortitude. Dani's journey begins with an unimaginable family tragedy – the murder-suicide of her sister and parents – swiftly followed by the unraveling of her toxic relationship with Christian.

This horrifying start propels Dani into a Swedish midsummer festival, a seemingly idyllic setting that slowly reveals its sinister, cultic underbelly. Pugh's performance as a woman oscillating between panic attacks, profound sorrow, and a strange, terrifying rebirth earned widespread acclaim, but the cost was immense.

The Psychological Price of Embodying Pure Anguish

Pugh recently opened up about the traumatic experience on The Louis Theroux Podcast, explaining the intense method she employed to bring Dani's grief to life. "I had never seen that level of grief or mental health in the way that was being asked of me on the page," she revealed. To achieve the raw emotion required, Pugh didn't just act; she truly immersed herself in simulated tragedy.

She recounted a terrifying progression: "At the beginning, I just imagined hearing the news that one of my siblings had died, and then towards the middle of the shoot it was like, 'Oh no, I actually needed to imagine the coffins.' And then towards the end of the shoot, I actually was going to my whole family's funeral." This wasn't merely about crying; it was about sounding genuinely "pained," a level of emotional manipulation she described as "putting myself through hell." Source: [Variety, Florence Pugh Says ‘Midsommar’ Led to Six Months of Depression Because ‘I’d Abused Myself’, November 11, 2025].

"I just can't exhaust myself like that because it has a knock-on effect. I think [Midsommar] made me sad for like six months after, and I didn't know why I was depressed... I got home for Christmas, I was so depressed, and I was like, 'Oh, I think that's from Midsommar,' and I didn't deal with it and I probably shouldn't do that again."

— Florence Pugh, The Louis Theroux Podcast

The Unexpected Onset of Post-Production Depression

What makes Pugh's experience even more striking is the delayed impact of the trauma. Immediately after wrapping Midsommar, she jumped onto the set of Greta Gerwig's delightful film, Little Women. This tonal whiplash, from Swedish cult horror to a heartwarming period drama, allowed her to "shelve all of that" emotional baggage, or so she thought. Source: [MovieWeb, Florence Pugh Reveals Midsommar Led to Six Months of Depression, November 11, 2025].

However, once she returned home for Christmas, the dam broke. "I was so depressed," she recalled, realizing the deep sadness was a direct "knock-on effect" from her grueling performance as Dani. She even broke down in tears on the flight away from Midsommar's Budapest set, feeling guilty as if she'd abandoned Dani to "figure out how to do the rest of her life." This profound empathy for a fictional character highlights the depth of her immersion.

Acknowledging the Complexities of Method Acting Practices

It's crucial to clarify that Pugh explicitly states any abuse was "self-inflicted" and had nothing to do with director Ari Aster. In fact, she has praised Aster as "peculiar in a mad genius kind of a way" and even "a stand-up comedian at heart." She also mentioned Aster would conduct "therapy sessions" with her and co-star Jack Reynor while in character, showing a collaborative, if intense, approach to crafting the performances.

While some actors might thrive on such deep dives, finding the challenge exhilarating, Pugh discovered a clear boundary. The tradeoff for an extraordinary, critically acclaimed performance was a significant personal cost, underscoring that not every intense artistic endeavor yields a purely positive personal outcome. Every actor's process is unique, and what works for one might be detrimental to another's mental well-being.

For example, imagine an actor preparing for a role as a detective investigating child abductions. They might spend weeks watching documentaries, visiting crime scenes, and interviewing real detectives and victims' families to achieve authenticity. While this dedication can lead to an incredibly powerful and believable performance, the actor might later find themselves struggling with nightmares, anxiety, or a cynical worldview, a direct consequence of immersing their mind in such dark subject matter for an extended period.

The Unseen Challenges of Immersive Cinematic Storytelling

One might argue that such intense performances are part and parcel of being a top-tier actor, a necessary evil for delivering truly transformative work. After all, Midsommar was hailed by Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers, who called Aster a "bold new voice in psychological horror" and lauded Pugh's performance for "working wonders." The film currently holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Source: [Rolling Stone, Florence Pugh’s Portrayal of Dani in ‘Midsommar’ Led to Six Months of Depression, November 11, 2025].

However, the counterpoint here is the undeniable human cost. While the audience sees the stunning final product, the actor lives through the creation. The "magic" of cinema often involves a hidden, personal sacrifice that rarely makes it into the film's promotional materials. Pugh's candor serves as a vital reminder that an actor's craft isn't just about memorizing lines or hitting marks; it often involves a deep, sometimes painful, psychological engagement with material.

The Legacy of 'Midsommar' and What It Means for Future Roles

Midsommar stands as a unique entry in the horror genre, lauded for its bright, unsettling aesthetic and its profound exploration of grief, toxic relationships, and cult dynamics. Released on July 3, 2019, the film has a runtime of 147 minutes and was written and directed by Ari Aster.

The core cast, alongside Florence Pugh as Dani, included Jack Reynor as Christian, William Jackson Harper as Josh, and Will Poulter as Mark. It was produced by Lars Knudsen, Patrik Andersson, and Beau Ferris. While its artistic merit is undeniable, Pugh's experience casts a new light on the responsibility actors have to themselves when tackling deeply distressing subject matter.

Moving forward, Pugh has made it clear she won't engage in such self-destructive methods again. She's learned a valuable lesson about setting boundaries and protecting her mental health, a critical step for longevity in a demanding industry.

Practical Takeaways for Film Enthusiasts and Industry Professionals

• Appreciate the Depth of Performance: Recognize that powerful acting often comes from a place of deep, sometimes difficult, emotional engagement by the actor.
• Prioritize Mental Well-being: For aspiring actors, understand the importance of boundaries and self-care when tackling emotionally challenging roles.
• Consider the Filmmaking Process: Filmmakers might explore ways to support actors' mental health during and after intense productions, perhaps through on-set therapists or decompression periods.
• Review Your Own Consumption: Reflect on how intensely disturbing media might affect your own emotional state, and practice mindful viewing.

FAQ: All You Need to Know About 'Midsommar'

Q: When was Midsommar released? A: Midsommar was released on July 3, 2019.

Q: Where can I watch Midsommar? A: The film is currently available to stream on Prime Video, and also available to rent or buy on various digital platforms.

Q: What is Midsommar rated? A: Midsommar is rated R for disturbing ritualistic violence and grisly images, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use.

Q: What is the runtime of Midsommar? A: The theatrical cut of the film runs for 147 minutes.

Sources

• MovieWeb, "Florence Pugh Reveals Midsommar Led to Six Months of Depression", November 11, 2025.
• Variety, "Florence Pugh Says ‘Midsommar’ Led to Six Months of Depression Because ‘I’d Abused Myself’", Zack Sharf, November 11, 2025.
• Rolling Stone, "Florence Pugh’s Portrayal of Dani in ‘Midsommar’ Led to Six Months of Depression", Charisma Madarang, November 11, 2025.
• Indeksonline.net, "The famous actress talks about depression after filming a horror film", MH, November 12, 2025.
• AS.com, "Florence Pugh suffered 'six months of depression' after filming Midsommar", Paul Reidy, November 13, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Florence Pugh Reveals ‘Midsommar’ Plunged Her Into Months of Depression: ‘It Really Fed Me Up’", Matt Konopka, November 13, 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Florence Pugh Says Midsommar Left Her Depressed, Despite Having A ‘Fun’ Time Filming Little Women", Dirk Libbey.