Review | Longlegs (2024)

With Longlegs, one should know as little as possible for the material to work its terrible magic effectively because it is genuinely unsettling once it does.

The psychological horror genre is currently experiencing a resurgence. Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV have allowed filmmakers to craft longer narratives that can keep audiences on the edge of their seats for hours on end. However, the unique atmosphere of watching horror films in a theater cannot be replicated. The tension, dread, and anticipation permeate the air, creating an immersive experience that heightens the fear factor for the audience.

Osgood Perkins’ chilling and suspenseful film LONGLEGS is the latest big-screen adaptation that aims to send shivers down viewers’ spines. Described as an unnerving psychological thriller, the film follows an FBI agent investigating an unresolved serial killer case. Given that Osgood Perkins is the son of the late Psycho legend Anthony Perkins, horror is in the director’s DNA. But can his film effectively delve into our deepest and most primal fears and provide a cinematic experience that keeps us on the edge of our seats?

REVIEW

The answer isn’t as clean-cut as one might expect. It will solely depend on the viewer’s exposure before going in. One should know as little as possible for the material to work its terrible magic effectively because it is genuinely unsettling once it does. To preserve the experience for you, I will avoid going into spoiler territory as much as possible. But on the strength of my first watch, the film is a chilling thriller that leaves its mark. The material is unnerving, and the atmospheric soundtrack adds to the dread. But it’s Nicolas Cage’s masterful performance that tips the scale. His creepy psycho killer is genuinely unforgettable.

LEE HARKER

The film centers on fresh-faced FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), who shows signs of psychic abilities after a harrowing first day on the job. After a suitably unnerving opening sequence that alerts us to the kind of ride we are about to undertake, the film settles into a gritty murder mystery. The FBI is grappling with a string of unsolved serial killings, and Harker’s superior assigns her the task of bringing a fresh perspective to the case, hoping that her psychic abilities will unveil a crucial breakthrough. The nature of the murders is puzzling because, although letters from the same killer are found at the crime scenes, there is no evidence linking him to any of the locations.

The mysterious aspect of the situation is compounded by the fact that the letters are inscribed in a cryptic, enigmatic code that has stumped the FBI’s codebreakers. The sole unifying trait of these letters is that they are all signed by the assailant – an individual known solely by the moniker LONGLEGS.

A DEEPENING MYSTERY

With the plot firmly established, Perkins gets down to business, setting an ominous tone that is present throughout. The plot takes us to dark places, and the film’s exposure matches the material perfectly. From start to finish, the film fills you with dread and uneasiness, keeping you on edge long after the credits roll. This isn’t a horror in a contemporary sense. Jump scares are few and far between. Instead, Perkins allows the narrative to spin its grizzly web of horrors; in this case, truth is stranger than fiction. This atmospheric slow burn gets under your skin and stays there.

THE CAST

Perkins has assembled an outstanding cast to bring this film to life. Maika Monroe delivers a remarkable performance as the troubled FBI rookie Lee Harker. Her portrayal is full of depth and will truly captivate the audience. Whether it’s her endearing charisma, genuine vulnerability, or quick wit, Lee Harker emerges as a compelling and relatable heroine. Her FBI mentor, played by Blair Underwood, is another winner. From the off, Underwood is presented as a passionate agent and devoted family man. His conviction is one of his most endearing charms, and his naturing side shines through with Harker. He swiftly becomes a character we can root for, and it is beautiful to see their relationship grow as the plot develops.

Alicia Witt’s portrayal of Harker’s sheltered mother is genuinely captivating. She skillfully brings to life the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship, highlighting how our upbringing can shape our identities. The dynamic between the characters makes them incredibly relatable and adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

NICOLAS CAGE

Finally, we come to the true standout of the piece: Nicolas Cage. It’s remarkable how versatile he is as an actor, constantly delving into diverse characters. From portraying a dedicated father in “Arcadian” to embodying the dark and complex Dracula in “Renfield,” Cage continues to push his boundaries. In this particular role, he embraces his most sadistic and complex character yet, and the result is absolutely magnificent.

The studio has put in significant effort to keep his appearance a secret, and for good reason. The payoff will be worth it. Let’s say that the character’s unsettling persona portrays a grotesque 70s grunge rocker with a sinister penchant for targeting young individuals. There are no explicit sexual implications in his behavior. Still, instead, he is portrayed as a disturbed and menacing figure one would never want to encounter in a dimly lit alleyway. However, his despicable actions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our minds.

AN UNSETTLING SCORE

Longlegs boasts a remarkable soundtrack that genuinely elevates the entire film-watching experience. Composed by the relatively unknown artist Zilgi, the score effectively creates an atmospheric backdrop that intensifies the feeling of dread throughout the movie. While the soundtrack is minimal in some parts, its impact is undeniable, delivering on the film’s promise to leave its audience on edge. The music effectively instills a lasting sense of unease that lingers after the movie ends, making it an element that stays with you long after the credits roll.

VERDICT

So, is “Longlegs” a new horror classic? This is the burning question that everyone seems to be asking. However, the answer is not straightforward, depending on one’s criteria. In my opinion, the film is a captivating and thought-provoking thriller that creates a mesmerizing atmosphere and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. While it may not rely heavily on jump scares, it features a genuinely unforgettable antagonist, a nerve-wracking soundtrack, and a storyline that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat throughout its thrifty runtime.

I was looking forward to the film, mainly since it was marketed as “the scariest film of the decade.” However, I felt that the movie didn’t quite live up to that bold claim. Despite some thrilling moments, I didn’t find it as terrifying as I had hoped. The overall experience left me wanting more. Despite its shortcomings, it offers enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, with moments that will have you nervously biting your nails. So, prepare yourself for more than just your average horror flick. This movie is a gripping and intense journey into a twisted, malevolent world that will leave a lasting impression. Osgood Perkins has genuinely upped the ante with this film, and I’m eagerly anticipating his future chilling creations.

Longlegs is unleashed in cinemas on July 12th.

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Phil Roberts

Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.

If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!