Florence Pugh Reveals ‘Midsommar’ Abuse Triggered Six-Month Depression

Florence Pugh has candidly discussed the impact of her role in the film “Midsommar,” revealing the mental toll it took on her. In a recent interview on “The Louis Theroux Podcast,” the Academy Award nominee shared that playing the character of Dani led to a six-month period of depression.

Emotional Exhaustion from ‘Midsommar’

Pugh explained that her experience while filming was deeply distressing. She had to delve into themes of extreme grief and psychological trauma, leading to significant emotional exhaustion. “I just can’t exhaust myself like that because it has a knock-on effect,” she stated, describing the prolonged sadness she felt after the shoot.

The Aftermath of Filming

After completing “Midsommar,” Pugh transitioned to working on “Little Women.” The contrasting tones of the two films affected her profoundly. While “Little Women” was a joyful experience, she found herself grappling with lingering feelings from her previous role.

• Pugh experienced a six-month depression following “Midsommar.”
• Emotional toll was linked to the intensity of playing Dani.
• She felt a connection to her character long after filming ended.

During the podcast, Pugh shared her unique method of preparation for the role. She needed to access profound grief, sometimes envisioning the loss of a sibling. As the filming progressed, this imaginative process increasingly became a reality for her emotional state. “I was going to my whole family’s funeral,” she said, capturing the weight of the burden she carried to portray Dani authentically.

Reflections on the Experience

Pugh admitted to feeling guilty for how she manipulated her emotions to deliver the performance. “It was very, very strange,” she remarked. Pugh had never worried about her characters after filming them before, yet Dani felt particularly real and haunting to her.

Notably, Pugh emphasized that the emotional strain she experienced was self-inflicted and not the result of any actions by director Ari Aster. She has previously praised Aster’s creativity, describing him as “peculiar in a mad genius kind of a way.”

In conclusion, Florence Pugh’s introspection on her time filming “Midsommar” highlights the psychological challenges actors can face when immerse themselves into their roles. These reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health in the demanding world of filmmaking.

For more insights, listen to “The Louis Theroux Podcast,” available on Spotify.