10 Horror Movie Scenes Everyone Always Gets Wrong

7. Dani Doesn't Smile Because She Got Revenge - Midsommar

What Everyone Thinks

Ari Aster's sophomore feature Midsommar ends in unforgettably disturbing fashion as protagonist Dani (Florence Pugh) chooses her ex-boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) to be burned alive as part of a cult ritual.

In the final moments, Aster lingers on Dani's face as her expression changes from one of distress to a joyous smile. Many have interpreted this as Dani savouring her revenge, relishing the sight of her emotionally distant, insufferable ex being burned to a crisp and feeling every moment of it.

Why It's Wrong

This is a supremely superficial reading of the film and really ignores the wider thematic, that in the commune Dani has found herself a new family to replace the biological one she lost at the start of the film.

She isn't grinning with delight like a psychopath at Christian's death, but that her depressive grief has abated, and after suffering through so much, she's been reborn into a new family unit with Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren) and company.