Florence Pugh’s haunting performance in the 2019 psychological horror Midsommar captivated audiences worldwide. However, the British actress recently revealed the deep emotional toll the role took on her, leaving her feeling “broken for a long while.”
In Midsommar, Pugh portrayed Dani, a grieving graduate student who travels to a remote Swedish community, only to face chilling rituals and cultish horrors. Speaking on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Pugh candidly reflected on the challenging process of immersing herself in such a harrowing character.
“Like when I did Midsommar… I definitely felt like I abused myself in the places that I got myself to go,” Pugh shared. “Protecting myself is something I’ve had to learn how to do.”
To fully embody Dani’s emotional turmoil, Pugh delved into a dark mindset, imagining heartbreaking scenarios involving her family. In a 2024 interview with The Sunday Times, she revealed she envisioned attending an open-casket funeral for her siblings, a process that left her “hyperventilating.”
While the experience was grueling, Pugh is proud of the outcome, acknowledging the critical acclaim and personal growth the role brought her. “I’m really proud of what I did and I’m proud of what came out of me, so I don’t regret it,” she said.
The Midsommar star, now appearing alongside Andrew Garfield in the romantic drama We Live in Time, emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and self-care for actors tackling emotionally taxing roles. “The nature of figuring these things out is you need to go, ‘Alright, well I can’t do that again cause that was too much,’” she said.
Despite its challenges, Pugh’s performance in Midsommar stands as a testament to her dedication and artistry. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional investment actors make to bring compelling stories to life.
