10 Brutal Horror Movie Openings Nobody Saw Coming
2. Why Isn't Terri Answering? - Midsommar
After the runaway success of Hereditary, the horror community's eyes were firmly placed on Ari Aster, and he did not disappoint with his follow-up film Midsommar.
Courtesy of the film's marketing, audiences went into the film expecting a straight-up folk horror nightmare, which for the most part it is. Although audiences definitely were not expecting to see one of the most upsetting and genuinely disturbing opening acts the genre has seen for quite some time.
When Dani hasn't heard from her unstable sister Terri for a couple of days, she seeks comfort in her partner Cristian, although his distant and less-than-supportive nature is clearly in contrast to what Dani actually needs. As he sits complaining about their relationship, Cristian receives a phone call, and on the other end is the painful, agonising cries of Dani.
It's then revealed that Terri has not only taken her own life but that of their parents too, by filling their home with carbon monoxide, as well as duct-taping a tube directly from the car to her own face. Cristian then sheepishly makes his way to Dani's apartment and awkwardly attempts to comfort her as the opening credits roll.
Truly harrowing stuff.