Haunts You For Days!!!
If we had to summarize “Longlegs” in one sentence, this would be our review.
For horror movie enthusiasts, it’s been a challenge to find a film as terrifying as “The Conjuring.” However, “Longlegs” breaks that streak.
This Osgood Perkins-written and directed movie is a true horror masterpiece that will haunt your thoughts for days.
| Director | Osgood Perkins |
| Cast | Maika Monroe Nicolas Cage Blair Underwood |
| Budget | Under $10 Million |
| Run Time | 1 Hour 41 Minutes |
| Genre | Crime, Horror, Thriller |
| Synopsis: In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree. |
Maika Monroe, known for her role in “The Guest,” delivers one of her best performances as young FBI Agent Lee Harker.
And if you’re a fan of Nicholas Cage, prepare to be very, very scared.
Both Monroe and Cage’s exceptional performances are bolstered by an equally compelling and dark storyline. “Longlegs” is a film that will consume your mind long after the credits roll.
Summary Of The Plot
From the opening scene, “Longlegs” sends chills down your spine.
The movie starts with a prologue featuring a mysterious figure who brutally kills a family in Oregon, leaving behind cryptic symbols and the word “Longlegs.”
We then meet our protagonist, FBI agent Lee Harker, a determined yet somewhat inexperienced investigator eager to prove herself.
Assigned to the case, Harker soon discovers that similar murders have occurred in other states over several decades, all connected by the same cryptic symbols left at each crime scene.
Disturbingly, the victims appear to have no connection to one another.
As Harker digs deeper, the movie intensifies. She realizes that the murderer seems to be immortal, with cases dating back centuries.
The narrative becomes increasingly creepy as Harker uncovers ancient rituals, secret societies, and a cult that worships Longlegs.
The climax is particularly gripping, with Harker discovering a hidden pattern and the existence of a supernatural being.
However, the movie ends on a chilling cliffhanger. While the current host of the curse meets their end, the ancient curse itself somehow survives, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Discussing The Themes And Performances In The Longlegs
“Longlegs” delves into the concepts of immortality, sacrifice, and the darkness within human hearts.
The film first poses the question: what price would one pay for eternal life?
It then explores the notion that immortality is both a curse and a temptation. Through Lee’s character, it illustrates the power and significance of sacrifice.
Meanwhile, the character Longlegs reveals the darkest desires lurking within humans, showcasing his brutality, obsession, and supernatural abilities to highlight the horrors inside us all.
In addition to its thematic depth, “Longlegs” features powerful performances. Maika Monroe, as Agent Lee Harker, remains cool and composed amidst chaos.
Nicolas Cage, as Longlegs, delivers a terrifying performance that questions the extent of human cruelty, adding an unsettling element to the movie.
Blair Underwood, portraying Agent Carter, brings depth to Harker’s investigation, while Alicia Witt, as Ruth Harker, provides a crucial emotional angle.
Discussing The Cinematography Of Longlegs
The themes of “Longlegs” are compelling, and the actors deliver splendid performances.
However, the true star of this movie is its director, Osgood Perkins, whose deliberate creative choices elevate the film to another level.
Perkins’ use of red and black color filters invokes madness and tension, creating an unsettling visual experience that perfectly complements the movie’s dark theme.
This color palette, combined with shadows and low-key lighting, adds lasting suspense to the film.
Additionally, Perkins’ decision to shoot from unconventional angles intensifies the horror scenes, heightening the viewer’s sense of dread.
Visual elements subtly hint at the supernatural aspects of the story. For example, the slithering serpents serve as transitions between scenes, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The cinematography weaves a psychological horror that lingers in the mind long after the movie ends.
Another standout aspect of the film is its soundtrack, provided by Zilgi and T. Rex. Zilgi, a pseudonym for Elvis Perkins, who is the director’s brother, creates an original score featuring dark and foreboding synths that perfectly align with the plot of “Longlegs.”
This haunting music adds depth and enhances the overall experience.
Some Underwhelming Aspects Of Longlegs
Yes the movie is one of the best horror movies of recent times but it does have some underwhelming aspects.
The first problem that this movie has is that, at some moments, the lead character, Lee Harker, seems less believable. Some viewers might find it difficult to believe that she is intuitive.
Then the next problem it has is during it’s middle act, the film becomes little slow. This could be a creative decision to build tension but for younger audience this may test their patience.
The next problem it has is some of the elements in this movie goes unexplained which is frustrating for the viewers expecting a straight forward answer.
Besides that, the character development of other actors besides the antagonist and protagonist could have been better.
And sadly, this movie also relies on predictable jump scares to scare the audience.
However, since the movie is a psychological horror, jump scares don’t add much tension.
But all in all, this movie is a must-watch.
And for the all the horror movie fans out there, this movie will psychologically scare you so be prepared.