Florence Pugh Reveals Midsommar Role Left Her in Depression for Months

Florence Pugh has revealed that her emotionally intense performance in the 2019 horror film Midsommar left her battling depression for six months. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the Oscar-nominated actress said the experience took a “severe emotional toll,” describing it as “psychologically damaging.” The revelation sheds light on the mental health risks actors face while performing deeply immersive roles. Pugh’s confession has sparked renewed discussions on the pressures of method acting in Hollywood.

How Florence Pugh’s Role Turned Painfully Real

While portraying Dani, a grief-stricken woman in Midsommar, Florence Pugh adopted a rigorous method acting approach. She revealed she imagined the loss of her own family to access the character’s raw pain authentically.
According to Reuters, this level of immersion — though effective for realism — can blur psychological boundaries between an actor and their role.

Pugh said she “went to her whole family’s funeral” emotionally to deliver the performance director Ari Aster envisioned. The experience, she admitted, left lasting scars long after the cameras stopped rolling.

During her podcast conversation, Pugh shared that after wrapping Midsommar, she immediately joined the cast of Little Women. The sudden tonal shift from horror to period drama initially helped her suppress the heavy emotions from Midsommar.
However, she noted that the depression surfaced months later, around Christmas. “It suddenly hit me — I hadn’t processed any of it,” she said.

This acknowledgment marks a turning point in her career philosophy. Pugh stated she will no longer exhaust herself emotionally for a role, prioritizing her mental health above artistic immersion.

A Cautionary Tale for Method Actors

Acting coaches and film psychologists have pointed to Pugh’s account as a warning about unprocessed trauma in method acting. Experts note that while deep character work produces powerful performances, it often carries unspoken psychological costs.

Ari Aster’s Midsommar has been widely praised for its raw emotional intensity — much of which stemmed from Pugh’s performance. But her experience underscores the fine line between authenticity and self-harm in creative processes.

Lasting Impact and What’s Next for Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh’s candid admission may reshape conversations around actor wellness in Hollywood. Her openness could encourage better on-set mental health support and debriefing practices.

Pugh, now starring in upcoming projects under Marvel and independent cinema, said she approaches new roles with emotional boundaries firmly in place. “It’s about balance,” she told Theroux. “You can give your all — without losing yourself.”

Sources

• The Louis Theroux Podcast

• Reuters

• Associated Press