Longlegs (2024): A Cinematic Nightmare That Will Haunt You Long After the Credits Roll
Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs is an ambitious horror film designed to rattle, unsettle, and provoke thought long after the credits roll. With its oppressive sound design, heavily mannered performances, and a plot that veers closer to a fever dream than conventional realism, this film seeks to embed itself in the viewer’s psyche. Despite its narrative influences, comparisons to The Silence of the Lambs feel misplaced; Perkins aims for a tone that is more disorienting and surreal, akin to watching a 100-minute nightmare.
Longlegs opens with a haunting flashback, framed like an old home movie, where a young girl arrives at a remote home. This sequence sets the stage for the film’s unsettling atmosphere, immediately locking us into a tight, claustrophobic perspective. Fast forward to an exaggerated 1990s setting, where new FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) arrives for her first case. Her intuitive hunch leads to the capture of a serial killer, raising suspicions within the FBI that she may possess unique abilities.
As the story unfolds, Harker is pulled into a series of mental tests and investigations under the guidance of Agent Carter (Blair Underwood). Enter Nicolas Cage as the titular Longlegs, a Satan-worshipping serial killer with a penchant for sending cryptic, Zodiac-esque notes about his crimes. Alicia Witt plays Ruth, Harker’s ultra-religious mother, adding another layer of tension as she constantly questions her daughter’s faith. The narrative weaves through a labyrinth of family murders, psychic phenomena, and eerie connections, culminating in a climactic confrontation that seeks to explain the inexplicable.
Perkins’ direction is meticulous, with every element of Longlegs feeling deliberately crafted. From consistently low camera angles that enhance tension to quick bursts of nearly subliminal imagery and sound, Perkins creates an atmosphere that is both suffocating and hypnotic. However, the film occasionally falters when it over-explains itself, particularly in a late-film exposition dump that feels at odds with its otherwise dreamlike quality.
The film’s production design, which evokes a sort of dream-logic disconnect, adds to the sense of unease. The setting, marked by a photo of Clinton in the FBI director’s office and anachronistic elements, feels timeless and disorienting. Perkins’ screenplay, while filled with intriguing ideas, sometimes struggles to fully commit to its weirdness, pulling back when it should dive deeper into its surreal elements.
Maika Monroe delivers a compelling performance as Lee Harker, capturing the character’s blend of vulnerability and determination. Nicolas Cage, as the enigmatic Longlegs, brings his trademark intensity to the role, creating a character that is both terrifying and fascinating. His portrayal is reminiscent of a blend between Ted Bundy and Tiny Tim, adding a layer of unpredictability to the film.
Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt provide strong support, fleshing out their characters with depth and nuance. Kiernan Shipka’s single-scene performance as the survivor named Camera leaves a lasting impression, adding to the film’s rich tapestry of interconnected characters.
Cinematographer Markus Mentzer creates visually striking scenes that enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere. One standout moment features a naked Ben meditating among clouds he created in a sunlit room painted sky blue, symbolizing a rare moment of calm in his tumultuous journey. The lo-fi aesthetic, while occasionally detracting from the film’s polish, adds an element of authenticity to the story.
The film’s visual style, marked by quick cuts and unconventional angles, keeps viewers on edge, reflecting the chaotic and fragmented nature of Ben’s psyche. However, some post-production effects feel out of place, slightly diminishing the overall impact.
Overall Impact
Longlegs is a film that dares to explore the darkest corners of the human mind, blending horror with psychological and existential themes. While it occasionally stumbles in its execution, the film’s commitment to its unsettling vision and its exploration of generational trauma make it a noteworthy addition to the horror genre. Perkins’ talent for framing, mood, and tension shines through, even if the film doesn’t fully deliver on its viral marketing promises.
Frequently asked question about Longlegs (2024)
Q: Where can I watch Longlegs (2024)?
A: Longlegs (2024) is available for streaming on [Streaming Service]. You can also watch it online at iWatchOnline.
Q: Who directed Longlegs (2024)?
A: The film was directed by Osgood Perkins.
Q: Who stars in Longlegs (2024)?
The film stars Maika Monroe as Lee Harker, Nicolas Cage as Longlegs, Blair Underwood as Agent Carter, and Alicia Witt as Ruth.
Q: What genre is Longlegs (2024)?
Longlegs is a horror film with elements of psychological thriller and existential drama.
Q: Is Longlegs (2024) suitable for children?
A: The film is rated [Rating] and contains mature themes and graphic scenes, making it unsuitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.
Q: What are the main themes of Longlegs (2024)?
The film explores themes of grief, generational trauma, the clash between faith and evil, and the psychological impact of unresolved family issues.
Q: Is there a sequel planned for Longlegs (2024)?
A: As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel.
Q: How long is Longlegs (2024)?
A: The runtime of Longlegs is approximately 1hr 41 minutes.
Sources
Longlegs (2024) is a haunting exploration of the human psyche, blending horror with deep psychological themes. For those seeking a film that lingers in the mind long after viewing, Longlegs is a must-watch.
