Florence Pugh Reveals Emotional Toll Of Midsommar Role, Says She Can’t Endure Such Intensity Again

Florence Pugh reflects on intense ‘Midsommar’ role, revealing the emotional strain and its lasting personal impact.


Pop Culture & Art January 07, 2025
Photo: A24

Florence Pugh has opened up about the emotional toll of her role in Midsommar, describing the experience as profoundly challenging. In a recent interview, the actress revealed that she "abused" herself emotionally to portray Dani, a grieving woman caught in a horrific and surreal cult environment.

Pugh, who has received critical acclaim for her role in the 2019 psychological horror film, written and directed by Ari Aster, explained the intense preparation required to embody such a deeply distressed character. "I was putting myself in really intense situations that maybe, in the long run, would have an effect on me," she admits in an episode of the podcast Reign With Josh Smith. The actress also noted that the role pushed her to emotional extremes, adding, "I can’t do that again."

Filmed in a remote Swedish village, Midsommar demanded grueling physical and emotional effort from its cast, with Pugh at the center of its most harrowing scenes. The film, directed by Ari Aster, explores themes of loss, trauma, and manipulation, making Pugh’s raw and vulnerable performance a standout. However, the process of delving into Dani’s anguish left a lasting impact on the actress.

Despite the challenges, Pugh views the experience as a pivotal moment in her career. The role cemented her reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile and fearless performers, leading to major roles in films like Little Women, Don’t Worry Darling, and We Live In Time.

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