Longlegs Review: One Of 2024’s Best Movies Has Arrived, And It Will Haunt You

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As a gamer and film critic, I’ve seen my fair share of suspenseful and horror movies. But none have left me as captivated and stunned as Osgood Perkins’ latest masterpiece, “Longlegs.” The movie is a chilling exploration of evil and the supernatural that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs” left a deep impression on me. After watching it, I was struck by its persistent mood and remarkable acting. However, the film continued to linger in my thoughts long after the screening. Although I didn’t have nightmares, I found myself frequently recalling the haunting images of Nicolas Cage’s terrifying metamorphosis and pondering the unsettling twists and finales of the story. Less than a week had passed before I asked to rewatch it, and I’m eagerly anticipating my third viewing.

Longlegs

Release Date: The film is set to be released on July 12, 2024.

I’m deeply drawn to the enigmatic allure of Longlegs. Despite its recognizable elements, it elicits a distinct sensation, leaving you both captivated while detached. It subtly probes the recesses of your mind, stirring up intrigue and fear. You may be comfortably seated, savoring candy, but this experience manages to disturb your amygdala, instilling unease and questioning the safety of the world around you. From the onset, it unwaveringly establishes its haunting atmosphere, devoted solely to evoking terror.

Maika Monroe continues to make a name for herself as a rising horror film star with her previous successes in “The Guest,” “It Follows,” and “Watcher.” In her latest role, she plays FBI agent Lee Harker based in Oregon during the Clinton era. After an unexpected psychic tip leads to the capture of a fugitive, her colleagues, Agents Carter (Blair Underwood) and Browning (Michelle Choi-Lee), recognize her unique abilities and ask for her assistance on a baffling case. Authorities have been stumped by a series of family murders where no clear evidence of external involvement is found, but they all share the same two elements: celebrations of children’s birthdays and cryptic letters signed “Longlegs.”

In the monotony of her existence, which consisted solely of listening to her drifting mother’s voice on the phone, Lee became utterly engrossed in deciphering the cryptic messages from Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). As she delved deeper into the investigation, she visited crime scenes from the past and spoke with the solitary survivor of the killer’s rampage (Kiernan Shipka). With each new discovery, however, the boundaries of reality as Lee understood it started to warp.

Longlegs is 101 minutes of dread, accomplished with intense cinematography and a gripping mystery.

Despite the current fashion of disparaging jump scares, Longlegs masterfully initiates the narrative with an impressive demonstration that leaves a lasting impression. In this captivating tale, a young girl inhabiting a secluded house during a wintry day is startled when she discovers an unfamiliar car on her property. As she investigates, she’s left bewildered by an enigmatic “cuckoo” call that echoes through the silence. When the child encounters the stranger, his sudden appearance sends shivers down your spine and causes your heart to race in your chest. Half of Nicolas Cage’s astonishing visage is concealed from view, adding to the sense of unease. This chilling figure expresses his elation at meeting the “almost birthday girl,” but laments having brought his “long legs.” With an air of intrigue and a hint of menace, this goosebump-inducing character begins to bend his knees – and the scene fades to black, accompanied by the gritty/trippy tones of “Jewel” by T. Rex playing in the background.

As a captivated viewer, I can assure you that the opening scene will reel you in with its razor-sharp hooks, leaving you utterly engrossed for the subsequent 90 minutes.

Osgood Perkins builds upon the ominous atmosphere of his past films, and while his script may prompt associations with “The Silence of the Lambs” due in part to the period backdrop, the visual tone is redolent of David Fincher’s work. This includes a green, brown, and grey color scheme that resonates with both “Zodiac” and Netflix’s “Mindhunter.” Despite its grounded and gritty feel, which effectively sells a believable serial killer narrative, the film cleverly keeps viewers anchored in this perceived reality. This allows it to take us by surprise and forcefully confront us with its harrowing portrayals of profound evil.

Skilled in maneuvering the film, the pre-internet ambiance adds an additional shiver-inducing dimension; disregarding the escalating supernatural elements, the absence of computers and mobile phones intensifies Lee’s seclusion. Her investigation becomes more engaging as she delves deeper into the physical documents and crime scene images spread out before her, engrossed by their intricacies.

Maika Monroe’s pathos-filled performance drives up the stakes, while Nicolas Cage’s transformative turn shows he still has the capacity to seriously surprise.

One intriguing decision the film makes is avoiding the cliché of a hardened FBI agent character. This choice proves highly successful, largely due to Maika Monroe’s brilliant acting. In contrast to the usual tough-as-nails portrayal, Lee Harker is depicted as intelligent, resolute, and competent, yet she is also well-aware of the horrors surrounding her. Her fear is genuine and visceral, making it all too relatable for us. During the most nerve-wracking scenes, as she cautiously advances with her gun drawn, her labored breathing amplifies our own apprehension. Monroe’s portrayal includes unconventional choices, and it’s truly remarkable.

In a striking departure from his previous roles, Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Longlegs in “The Main Event” is unlike anything we’ve seen from the veteran actor. His gaunt face, ghostly complexion, stringy white hair, and pitched voice create an eerie and unpredictable presence that chills to the bone, even when only fleetingly glimpsed or obscured on screen. Despite not having a large role in terms of action, Cage’s haunting appearance alone is enough to leave a lasting impression on horror fans, making this performance one to remember from his storied career.

After my initial viewing of “Longlegs,” I had some reservations about certain plot points. However, these concerns were alleviated during my second watch. Although there are moments of convenience in the narrative, they can be overlooked due to the film’s exploration of evil and the supernatural. I must admit, since seeing “The Babadook” a decade ago, I haven’t been this enthralled and startled by a new horror release. The impact of this movie on me is not likely to fade anytime soon.

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2024-07-14 18:37