Is Pelle in Love with Dani in Midsommar?
Yes, it is very likely that Pelle is genuinely in love with Dani over the course of the film. There are strong hints provided through his caring behavior, manipulations to make her May Queen, their passionate kiss, and an implied astrological bond that point to Pelle having sincere romantic feelings and intentions towards Dani.
Pelle‘s Affectionate Behavior Shows His Feelings
Throughout the film, Pelle looks after Dani and supports her emotional needs with a protectiveness that goes beyond regular friendship. A few compelling examples:
- Comforts Dani and holds space during her anxiety attacks when she feels panicked and unsafe
- Takes a specific interest to sketch portraits of Dani in his notebook during his free time
- Draws illustrations envisioning Dani becoming the May Queen, showing his aspirations for her future role in his community
In contrast, Pelle remains mostly indifferent towards the needs of the other friends he brought to the village. He instead devotes special attention to Dani‘s well-being, keeping close by her side to check on how she‘s handling the unusual rituals.
Pelle Engineers Dani Becoming May Queen
Through careful planning, Pelle orchestrates the sequence of events that manipulate Dani into becoming the May Queen – a role the script describes as destined to be his perfect lover and partner.
In an interview, director Ari Aster even directly confirmed: "Ultimately, I think that he is a bit Machiavellian in the sense that he knew he needed to get her here in order to fulfill this destiny of having her crowned as the May Queen."
From using Josh‘s studies as an excuse to invite them, to dosing Dani‘s teas to induce cathartic visions, Pelle masterfully pulls strings for his endgame of the foretold May Queen ritual.
The Passionate Kiss Shows Pelle‘s Desire
The celebratory kiss Pelle gives Dani in the final scene goes beyond just friendly affection and suggests genuine romantic desire. Most of the other villagers give Dani quick pecks on the cheek, keeping things platonic. However, Pelle embraces her face and goes in for an extended, fiery kiss directly on Dani‘s lips.
The kiss also receives prominent focus in the scene‘s editing and soundtrack, heightening its significance as a culmination of Pelle‘s feelings being requited now that Dani has fully joined the community under his guidance.
An Astrological Bond Hints at Destiny
Earlier in the film, Pelle tells Dani that she shares his rare astrological sign of being born on the exact cusp between Gemini and Cancer. This detail implies they have a cosmic connection making them destined partners. While Pelle strings along the whole group, it‘s clear that wooing Dani takes priority in his grand design.
Back in Sweden, Pelle had already prophetically drawn art imagining Dani one day wearing the May Queen floral crown, reflecting his vision of her by his side ruling the village as his fated match. The ending brings this full circle.
In summary, piecing together the behaviors, motivations, and symbolism throughout Midsommar strongly suggests that Pelle has genuinely fallen for Dani and successfully plotted for her as his lover and future May Queen. Their climactic kiss seals the deal on romance blooming amidst the solstice ceremonies.
